Women’s voice, agency and resistance in Nigerian blogs: A feminist critical discourse analysis

Nartey, Mark

Abstract

This paper contributes to the burgeoning literature on how women construct resistance, project their agency and sculpt a positive identity for themselves. It employs feminist critical discourse analysis as a framework to examine how Nigerian blogs on gender issues constitute a discursive site for sociopolitical action, the interrogation and deconstruction of gendered social structures and the amplification of women’s voices(s). The article analyzes discursive strategies used in the blogposts to resist gender inequality, women’s exploitation and female subjugation while constructing a positive image for women and emphasizing their empowerment. The results reveal three main strategies: (1) denouncing patriarchy and gender discrimination, (2) countering toxic gender narratives and (3) calling out sexist attitudes and praising women who resist such behaviour. Together, these mechanisms contribute to a sociopolitical critique of systematic gendering of privilege aimed at social transformation and Nigerian/African women’s emancipation. Implications of the study for research on marginalized, disenfranchised groups are discussed.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 31, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Aug 10, 2023
• Publication Date: 2024
• Deposit Date: Aug 11, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 11, 2024
• Journal: Journal of Gender Studies
• Print ISSN: 0958-9236
• Electronic ISSN: 1465-3869
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 33
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 418-430
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09589236.2023.2246138
• Keywords: Social Sciences (miscellaneous), Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous), Gender Studies
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/11018164