Construction of femininity in women Osoolgara discourse formations, tactics and mechanisms of discourse

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

• Mohammad Taghi Karami Ghahi ¹
• Tahereh Khazaei ²

¹ Associate Professor, Department of Women's Studies, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran

² Ph.D. in Sociology, Faculty of Sociology, University of Bordeaux, , Bordeaux,France

Abstract

In this article, we examined how femininity is constructed in some Osoolgara (conservative) discourses in Iran. Hence, we tried to study two main conservative organizations such as the Women's Studies & Research Center, which is affiliate to Hozeye Elmiye (Seminary), and Social and Cultural Council for Women. In doing so, based on discourse analysis, we focused on these two association’s statements and legislations in which we traced the process of feminine subjectivity formation. So, we paid attention to discursive mechanisms and tactics which are implicitly used in these materials. All in all, the results show that, women’s representation centered on four axes: body, sexual desire, gender roles and cultural invasion. In addition, women are the subject of four discursive tactics namely considering female body as hysteric body, degradation or disrespect of women sexual desire, sanctifying the family and women’s roles in family as a mother or wife, and rejection of the idea of western instrumental approach to the women. Accordingly, by identifying discursive tactics, we contend that, the dominant discourse of these two associations prioritize women’s traditional roles which reinforce masculine domination.

Keywords

• Gender
• Femininity Construction
• Osoolgra Discourse (Conservative)
• Discourse analysis
• Iran

20.1001.1.20088566.1398.10.38.11.2

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