The discursive construction of solidarity by Ghanaian female parliamentarians

Sarfo-Kantankah, Kwabena Sarfo; Ngula, Richmond Sadick; Nartey, Mark

Abstract

Research on issues of women has largely focused attention on, among others, power asymmetries and gender stereotypes, with less emphasis on positive linguistic mechanisms of women. Drawing on a critical discourse analytical approach and using Ghanaian parliamentary debates as data, this paper examines how female members of parliament (MPs) construct solidarity. The paper finds that, first, Ghanaian female MPs construct solidarity by positioning themselves as agents and the voice of (Ghanaian) women by using the inclusive-we and our/us. Second, the MPs engage in solidarity formation for (Ghanaian) women empowerment by championing the cause of women and calling for female empowerment. Third, the MPs demonstrate solidarity through congratulatory messages that highlight the achievements of (Ghanaian) women. Finally, the MPs resist discourses that discriminate against (Ghanaian) women. This paper highlights the need for marginalized voices to be centred in CDA research and contributes to the burgeoning scholarship on reparative critical practices.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 7, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Nov 9, 2023
• Publication Date: Feb 15, 2024
• Deposit Date: Nov 10, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 10, 2023
• Journal: Journal of Language and Politics
• Print ISSN: 1569-2159
• Electronic ISSN: 1569-9862
• Publisher: John Benjamins Publishing
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 23
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 91-112
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1075/jlp.22146.sar
• Keywords: Linguistics and Language, Sociology and Political Science, History
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/11419932