Metaphorical representation of feminism in media discourse /

The present paper focuses on the metaphorical representation of feminism in media discourse. The research addresses two primary research questions: What metaphors are found in the media for representations of feminism at the linguistic and conceptual levels? How do metaphors reflect feminism in the media? Using Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT) and the Metaphor Identification Procedure (MIP), the study categorizes metaphors into various source domains, identifying PERSON, OBJECT, CONFLICT, and DIRECTION as the most prevalent. Less common domains include NATURAL FORCE, JOURNEY, FASHION, and ENTERTAINMENT. The findings reveal that the PERSON domain, which humanizes feminism, is the most frequently used, making the movement relatable by emphasizing its personal and collective aspects. The OBJECT domain shows feminism as an entity or item, often highlighting how feminist issues are shaped and constrained by external forces. The CONFLICT domain frames feminism as a struggle, underscoring the challenges and opposition faced in achieving gender equality. The DIRECTION domain emphasises the continuous progress and forward momentum of the feminist movement. This study contributes to the broader understanding of how language shapes public perceptions and societal attitudes towards feminism. By identifying recurring metaphorical patterns, the research highlights the dynamic nature of feminist discourse in the media. Despite limitations such as the small corpus size and focus on specific media content, the findings provide a foundation for future research. Expanding the corpus and including diverse media sources could offer more nuanced insights. The study underscores the importance of metaphors in media discourse and their influence on societal views of feminism.

Grantor dc:publisher

Institutional Repository of Vilnius University

Year dc:date

2024

Author dc:creator

• Urbelytė, Viktorija,

• metaforos, feminizmas, žiniasklaida, metaphors, feminism, media

Statement dc:rights

• info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

Language dc:language

eng

Repository record dc:identifier

https://repository.vu.lt/VU:ELABAETD210586618&prefLang=en_US

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vu.lt:elaba:210586618