A feminist critical discourse analysis of misogynist comments in Maltese media

Abstract

This research sought to determine the prevalent themes in comments underneath five Maltese news portals and their respective Facebook pages in relation to women’s issues, such as abortion and gender-based violence (GBV), and whether these comments perpetuated gender stereotypes and inequality. This dissertation analyses how discourses can extend beyond verbal expressions, as they possess the capacity to produce tangible online and offline effects. Feminist Critical Discourse Analysis (FCDA) and Judith Butler’s (1990) postmodern approach to feminist theory are applied in this study. There were two phases of data analysis, which were Thematic Analysis and FCDA. The six main themes identified were: ‘The Unborn’, ‘Responsibility and victimhood’, ‘Gender and migrants’, ‘Religious discourse’, ‘Ideology’, and ‘Pro-choice / feminist discourses’. The first theme revolves around pro-life discourses, focusing on language about the unborn, their rights, and scientific arguments presented by pro-life contenders. The second theme reflects discourses blaming women, portraying them as manipulative, framing men as victims, and criticising Malta’s legal system. The third theme describes fears of Maltese population replacement by non-Europeans, and perceptions of foreigners through a gendered lens. The fourth theme outlines religious discourses on abortion, the link between faith and social issues, and abuse by religious figures. The fifth theme presents the perceptions of feminism and left-leaning politics labeled as “woke”, critiques local and European Union (EU) politicians, as well as comparisons to conspiracy theories. The sixth theme delineates support for pro-choice beliefs and women’s autonomy in a misogynistic and paternalistic society. The themes indicate that the political and religious spheres continue to exert great influence over societal attitudes toward gender-related issues. This is done through persistent gender inequalities and stereotypes in Malta, highlighting women’s constrained bodily autonomy, societal attitudes towards femininity and motherhood, claims of institutional bias that favours women, as well as attacks on advocates for abortion rights. This dissertation provides recommendations for policies and practice related to these findings, such as recommendations for policymakers, educators, and enforcement systems.