UNVEILING LANGUAGE-BASED GENDER DISCRIMINATION IN FOSTERING GENDER EQUALITY THROUGH DISCOURSE ANALYSIS

Sweetheart B. Diazon, Aaliyah Shane M. Duran, Diana Mae C. Mantes, Ana Mae M. Monteza

Abstract


The study aims to uncover how language-based discrimination contributes to gender inequality in school context. Using a model of critical discourse analysis, the study examines fourteen students from diverse departments of UMDC on how language patterns reinforce stereotypes and create unequal treatment through textual, processing and social analysis. Researchers observed linguistic patterns that imply the use of a non-inclusive language, which most likely contained phrases, lines, or words that favored one gender over the other. When challenged with the aforementioned gender discrimination through the application of these patterns, a variety of emotional reactions developed. Furthermore, Researchers uncovered gender discrimination at UMDC through the use of language that violated community standards for a number of reasons. There were occasions where language used in an academic setting demonstrated prejudice and biases against persons based on their gender through the use of non-inclusive language. By investigating the impact of language on attitudes, the study assists educators and communities in raising awareness of creating inclusive environments in which gender prejudices are addressed. This study aligns with the 5th SDG, which is to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

 

Article visualizations:

Hit counter


Keywords


language-based gender discrimination, fostering gender equality, discourse analysis

Full Text:

PDF

References


Akbar, A. M., Agasi, R. S., & Yowata, T. (2019). Critical Discourse Analysis on PAN Political Banner Campaign Using Fairclough Three-Dimensional Model. Prasasti: Journal of Linguistics, 4(2). https://doi.org/10.20961/prasasti.v4i2.31580

Alter, G. (2019). Visual and Media Literacy Put into Practice. Teaching Literature and Language Through Multimodal Texts, 153–171. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-5225-5796-8.ch009

Alteri, A. M. (2022). When rights collide: Examining conflicts between gender identity, sexual orientation, & religious discrimination protections. International Journal of Discrimination and the Law, 22(2), 152–171. https://doi.org/10.1177/13582291221096561

Andreev, V. V., & Timashov, V. O. (2024). State social standards and norms in the system of Social Protection. Analytical and Comparative Jurisprudence, (2), 296–300. https://doi.org/10.24144/2788-6018.2024.02.51

Awal, A. (2023). Linguistic Discrimination: Theoretical Framework. International Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research (IJAMR), 7(8), 54–57.

Álvarez, B. (2020, May 19). Linguistic discrimination still lingers in many classrooms. NEA. Retrieved from https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/linguistic-discrimination-still-lingers-many-classrooms

Bednall, J. (n.d.). Epoche and bracketing within the phenomenological paradigm. IIER 16: Bednall - epoche and bracketing within the phenomenological paradigm. Retrieved from http://iier.org.au/iier16/bednall.html

Behrendt, S. C. (2008). Contextual analysis. Retrieved from https://english.unl.edu/sbehrendt/StudyQuestions/ContextualAnalysis.html

Bengtson, A. (2024). Is Discrimination Harmful? American Philosophical Quarterly, 61(3), 293–300. https://doi.org/10.5406/21521123.61.3.08

Benner, A. D., Alers‐Rojas, F., López, B. A., & Chen, S. (2024). “Some people will tell jokes to you; some people be racist:” a mixed‐method examination of racist jokes and adolescents’ well‐being. Child Development. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.14095

Bergeron, D. M., Block, C. J., & Echtenkamp, A. (2006). Disabling the able: Stereotype threat and women’s work performance. Human Performance, 19(2), 133–158. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327043hup1902_3

Boz, C. (2010). Ruth Wodak & Michal Krzyzanowski (eds.), qualitative discourse analysis in the social sciences. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2008. pp. XI, 216. pb £19.99. Language in Society, 39(1), 134–135. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0047404509990728

Caulfield, J. (2023, June 22). Textual analysis: Guide, 3 approaches & examples. Scribbr. Retrieved from https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/textual-analysis/

Closson, L. M., & Comeau, E. (2021). Youth’s experiences with inclusion, isolation, and discrimination in the LGBTQ+ community. Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology, 31(6), 782–795. https://doi.org/10.1002/casp.2525

Cogan, J. (1970, January 1). John Cogan, the phenomenological reduction. PhilPapers. Retrieved from https://philpapers.org/rec/COGTPR

Creswell, J. & Creswell, D. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches | Online Resources. Retrieved from https://edge.sagepub.com/creswellrd5e

Dahlberg, K. (2006). The essence of essences – the search for meaning structures in phenomenological analysis of lifeworld phenomena. International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being, 1(1), 11–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/17482620500478405

Dayrit, J. C., & Alibudbud, R. (2022). The unbearable struggle for beauty: Physical appearance perfectionism, mental health, and discrimination among heterosexual cisgender and sexually diverse youth in the Philippines. Journal of LGBT Youth, 20(1), 179–197. https://doi.org/10.1080/19361653.2022.2145404

Delevande, A., & Zafar, B. (1970, January 1). Gender Discrimination and Social Identity: Experimental Evid. Staff Reports. Retrieved from https://ideas.repec.org/p/fip/fednsr/593.html

Dixit, Dr. S. (2024). Role of social norms and culture in gender violence. International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation, X(XII), 339–349. https://doi.org/10.51244/ijrsi.2023.1012027

Durmaz, Z., & Yoğun, M. S. (2022). A critical discourse analysis of a visual image in Norman Fairclough’s CDA Model. Uluslararası Eğitim Araştırmacıları Dergisi, 5(1), 25–33. https://doi.org/10.52134/ueader.1101763

Dworkin, S. L. (2012). Sample size policy for qualitative studies using in-depth interviews. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 41(6), 1319–1320. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-012-0016-6

Elliott, D. S., Hamburg, B., & Williams, K. R. (1998). Violence in American schools: An overview. Violence in American Schools, 3–28. https://doi.org/10.1017/9780511840913.001

Fairclough, N., & Fairclough, I. (2015, October 28). “(PDF) Textual Analysis - Researchgate.” Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/283124219_Textual_analysis

Fischer, M. M. (2007). Culture and cultural analysis as Experimental Systems. Cultural Anthropology, 22(1), 1–65. https://doi.org/10.1525/can.2007.22.1.1

Fitriani, N., Jayantini, I. G., & Utami, N. M. (2021). Faithful translation applied in Translating webtoon i love yoo. Indonesian Journal of English Language Studies (IJELS), 7(2), 74–79. https://doi.org/10.24071/ijels.v7i2.3413

Fotheringham, L., & Munro, K. (2024). Dealing with Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying in Mental Health Settings: A Qualitative Evaluation of Training. BJPsych Open, 10, 102–103. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2024.293

Gaucher, D., Friesen, J., & Kay, A. C. (2011). Evidence that gendered wording in job advertisements exists and sustains gender inequality. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 101(1), 109–128. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0022530

Greenland, K., West, K., & van Laar, C. (2022). Definitional boundaries of discrimination: Tools for deciding what constitutes discrimination (and what doesn’t). Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 52(10), 945–964. https://doi.org/10.1111/jasp.12902

Grin, A. (2022, October 17). 5 functions of language by Geoffery Leech. StudyBay. Retrieved from https://studybay.com/blog/five-functions-of-terms-leech-1974/

Grujicic-Alatriste, L. (2015). The myths of Mars and Venus: Do men and women really speak different languages? Language and Psychoanalysis, 4(1), 111–115. https://doi.org/10.7565/landp.2015.006

Ifversen, J. (2003, July). Text, discourse, concept: Approaches to textual analysis. Retrieved from https://kontur.au.dk/fileadmin/www.kontur.au.dk/OLD_ISSUES/pdf/kontur_07/jan_ifversen.pdf

Jadhav, B. N., Padma Sri Lekha, P., E.P., A. A., Sharma, J., Yadav, A., & Begam J., M. (2023). Impact of Gender Discrimination on Young Indian Women’s Mental Health: Do Benevolent Childhood Experiences Play Any Role? Mental Health and Social Inclusion. https://doi.org/10.1108/mhsi- 09-2023-0104

Jahedi, M., Abdullah, F. S., & Mukundan, J. (2014). An overview of focal approaches of Critical Discourse Analysis. International Journal of Education and Literacy Studies. Retrieved from https://journals.aiac.org.au/index.php/IJELS/article/view/1299

Johnson, M., & Mercer, N. (2019). Using sociocultural discourse analysis to analyse professional discourse. Learning, Culture and Social Interaction, 21, 267–277. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lcsi.2019.04.003

Ju, S., Cho, S.-S., Kim, J. I., Ryu, H., & Kim, H. (2023). Association Between Discrimination in the Workplace and Insomnia Symptoms. Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 35(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e25

Jun, H. (2023). Stereotypes analysis in discrimination based on gender: Focusing on the European Court of Human Rights Case Carvalho Pinto de Sousa Morias v. Portugal. Center for Public Interest & Human Rights Law Chonnam National University, 30, 119–151. https://doi.org/10.38135/hrlr.2023.30.119

Lal, S. (2023). Encountering others’ empathy toward oneself in Marlene van Niekerk’s agaat. The Cambridge Journal of Postcolonial Literary Inquiry, 10(3), 311–331. https://doi.org/10.1017/pli.2023.23

Lereya, S. T., Norton, S., Crease, M., Deighton, J., Labno, A., Ravaccia, G. G., Bhui, K., Brooks, H., English, C., Fonagy, P., Heslin, M., & Edbrooke- Childs, J. (2024). Gender, marginalised groups, and Young People’s Mental Health: A longitudinal analysis of trajectories. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13034-024-00720-4

Lester, S. (1999). An introduction to phenomenological research. Stan Lester Developments, Taunton. http://www.sld.demon.co.uk/resmethy.pdf - Open Access Library. Retrieved from https://www.oalib.com/references/7541601

Levitina, O. (2021, May 21). Is language discrimination still a thing? - tedxvienna magazine. TEDxVienna Magazine. Retrieved from https://magazine.tedxvienna.at/2020/02/21/is-language-discrimination- still-thing/

Li, W. (2023). Gender stereotyping in media - bias and discrimination. Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media, 29(1), 237–241. https://doi.org/10.54254/2753-7048/29/20231518

Madsen, H. L. (1994). Norman Fairclough: Discourse and social change. NyS, Nydanske Sprogstudier, 18(18), 119. https://doi.org/10.7146/nys.v18i18.13363

Manfredi, P., & Taglietti, C. (2022). A Psychodynamic Contribution to the Understanding of Anger - The Importance of Diagnosis Before Treatment. Research in Psychotherapy: Psychopathology, Process and Outcome, 25(2). https://doi.org/10.4081/ripppo.2022.587

Ming, E. (2023). Research on gender differences and gender discrimination in Chinese education. Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media, 31(1), 97–101. https://doi.org/10.54254/2753-7048/31/20231855

Monteza, A. M., & Miralles, T. G. (2023). Women through times: A socio-stylistic cognition on the phylogenesis of women’s representation in the society through communication style. European Journal of Literature, Language and Linguistics Studies, 7(2), 1–25. https://doi.org/10.46827/ejlll.v7i2.447

Mosel, U. (2012, September 18). Morphosyntactic Analysis in the Field: A Guide to the Guides. Academic.oup.com. https://academic.oup.com/edited-volume/28350/chapter/215168889

Neupane, D. (2014). Gender role in school bullying. Journal of Chitwan Medical College, 4(1), 37–41. https://doi.org/10.3126/jcmc.v4i1.10847

Ogneva, Musaelian, Е. N., Smirnova, D. E., Danilenko, I. A., & Sushenok, M. O. (2021). Text and discourse models as knowledge formats. SHS Web of Conferences, 101, 03024. https://doi.org/10.1051/shsconf/202110103024

Parkinson, P. (2023). Gender Identity Discrimination and Religious Freedom. Journal of Law and Religion, 38(1), 10–37. https://doi.org/10.1017/jlr.2022.45

Pondelíková, I., & Štulajterová, A. (2024). Sociolinguistic Aspects of Gender- (in)sensitive Language in English and Slovak. Current Issues in Philology and Pedagogical Linguistics, 245–252. https://doi.org/10.29025/2079-6021-2024-2-245-252

Romero-Hall, E. (2016). Animated pedagogical agents and emotion. Emotions, Technology, Design, and Learning, 225–237. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-801856-9.00011-6

Rutledge, P. B., & Hogg, J. L. (2020). In‐depth interviews. The International Encyclopedia of Media Psychology, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119011071.iemp0019

Sauntson, H. (2020). Language-based discrimination in schools. Innovations and Challenges, 144–158. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429026140-11

Smith, D. W. (2018). Phenomenology. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/sum2018/entries/phenomenology/?fbclid=IwAR1_hhuGeQAerTTx9bWhSnNV7I6p_KK2oFuPusP0LzjTnMAgPLCdvnDxTc

Smith, J. A. (2017). Textual analysis. The International Encyclopedia of Communication Research Methods, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118901731.iecrm0248

Sokolowski, R. (1999). Introduction to phenomenology. Introduction to Phenomenology. https://doi.org/10.1017/cbo9780511809118

Soto, P., Dzierzewski, J., Ramos, M., Dautovich, N., & Corona, R. (2021). 179 Insomnia Symptoms in Latinx Emerging Adults: The Role of Perceived Discrimination. Sleep, 44(Supplement_2). https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/zsab072.178

Stewart, R., Wright, B., Smith, L., Roberts, S., & Russell, N. (2021). Gendered stereotypes and norms: A systematic review of interventions designed to shift attitudes and behaviour. Heliyon, 7(4). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06660

Stout, J. G., & Dasgupta, N. (2011). When he doesn’t mean you: Gender-exclusive language as ostracism. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 37(6), 757–769. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167211406434

Stratton, S. J. (2023). Population sampling: Probability and non-probability techniques. Prehospital and Disaster Medicine, 38(2), 147–148. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1049023x23000304

Svensson, L. (1970, January 1). Contextual analysis: A research methodology and research approach. Home. https://gupea.ub.gu.se/handle/2077/68413

Tabassum, N., & Nayak, B. S. (2021). Gender Stereotypes and Their Impact on Women’s Career Progressions from a Managerial Perspective. IIM Kozhikode Society & Management Review, 10(2), 192–208. https://doi.org/10.1177/2277975220975513

Taherdoost, H. (2022, May 4). How to conduct an effective interview; a guide to interview. Post-Print. https://ideas.repec.org/p/hal/journl/hal- 03741838.html

Turley, E. L. (2016, November 7). Doing it differently: Engaging interview participants with Imaginative Variation: Indo-Pacific Journal of Phenomenology: Vol 16, no 1-2. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/20797222.2016.1145873

Turner, D. (2024, June 6). Introducing Discourse Analysis for Qualitative Research. Quirkos Qualitative Research Blog. https://www.quirkos.com/blog/post/discourse-analysis-qualitative-research/

Tyler, D. W., Marx, M. H., & Collier, G. (1959). Frustration Stimuli in Discrimination. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 58(4), 295–301. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0047032

Wijayanti, R. A. (2024). Linguistic Diversity in Education: Strategies for Inclusive Learning Environments. English Language and Education Spectrum, 4(1), 30–46. https://doi.org/10.53416/electrum.v4i1.228

Wilson, M., Spears, I., Norton, S., Bogdan, R., & Oltmanns, T. (2023). Discrimination in older adulthood: Understanding the impact on purpose in life. Innovation in Aging, 7(Supplement_1), 506–506. https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igad104.1663

Xia, Y. (2024). Intersectionality and discrimination: Challenges faced by LGBTQ+ Asian international students in the U.S. Education System. Addressing Global Challenges - Exploring Socio-Cultural Dynamics and Sustainable Solutions in a Changing World, 833–838. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781032676043-115

Yüksel, P., & Yıldırım, S. (2015). Theoretical frameworks, methods, and procedures for conducting phenomenological studies. Turkish Online Journal of Qualitative Inquiry, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.17569/tojqi.59813




DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejlll.v8i3.571

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Copyright (c) 2025 Sweetheart B. Diazon, Aaliyah Shane M. Duran, Diana Mae C. Mantes, Ana Mae M. Monteza

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

The research works published in this journal are free to be accessed. They can be shared (copied and redistributed in any medium or format) and\or adapted (remixed, transformed, and built upon the material for any purpose, commercially and\or not commercially) under the following terms: attribution (appropriate credit must be given indicating original authors, research work name and publication name mentioning if changes were made) and without adding additional restrictions (without restricting others from doing anything the actual license permits). Authors retain the full copyright of their published research works and cannot revoke these freedoms as long as the license terms are followed.

Copyright © 2017-2026. European Journal of Literature, Language and Linguistics Studies (ISSN 2559 - 7914 / ISSN-L 2559 - 7914). All rights reserved.


This journal is a serial publication uniquely identified by an International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) serial number certificate issued by Romanian National Library. All the research works are uniquely identified by a CrossRef DOI digital object identifier supplied by indexing and repository platforms. All the research works published on this journal are meeting the Open Access Publishing requirements and standards formulated by Budapest Open Access Initiative (2002), the Bethesda Statement on Open Access Publishing (2003) and  Berlin Declaration on Open Access to Knowledge in the Sciences and Humanities (2003) and can be freely accessed, shared, modified, distributed and used in educational, commercial and non-commercial purposes under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Copyrights of the published research works are retained by authors.