Gender Discourse in the Kenyan Print Media. A Critical Analysis of the Text of Oyunga Pala of the Daily Nation

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to find out how language is used to perpetuate gender inequality as portrayed in the Kenyan print media. In particular, it set out to discover how what is generally seen as common sense and natural way of expressing oneself can in fact turn out to convey ideological insights. The Critical Discourse Approach proposed by Norman Fairclough, Ruth Wodak, and Teun Van Dijk among others was used in this study. This approach proposes that language should be studied as a social tool used for communication and this should be the basis for investigating the role language plays in various communicative contexts. Specifically, it proposes to integrate linguistics into the everyday challenges of social life and gives much insight into the role of language in shaping society. Chapter one entails the general framework of the study in which we set out the background to the study, statement of the problem, objectives and hypotheses guiding the study, the theoretical approach used, the methods of data collection, review of relevant literature and the rationale for the study. In chapter two, the elaborate details of the Critical Discourse Analysis as the theoretical framework adapted for the research are discussed at length. This chapter aiso gives a detailed definition of some of the terms and concepts used in the study. The main arguments of this thesis are brought out in chapter three where the data is presented and analysed. Chapter four has the summary, conclusion, and recommendations for further study.