Men and women on air

gender stereotypes in humour sequences in a Malaysian radio phone-in programme

Authors

  • Melissa Yoong University of Nottingham, Malaysia Campus

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/genl.21035

Keywords:

Gender Stereotypes, Gender Construction, Humour, Media Talk, Malaysia

Abstract

This paper investigates the use of humour in a Malaysian radio phone-in programme to reinforce or challenge stereotypical conceptualisations of men and women. It is argued that these acts of humour uphold gender hierarchies and inequalities in a few ways. Traditional stereotypical portrayals of women still prevail, and these characteristics are naturalised by appealing to assumed shared common sense. Although both sexes are mocked in some instances of humour, when analysing why men and women are ridiculed, it was found that the men were targeted for two conflicting reasons: for exhibiting stereotypical feminine characteristics and for attempting to produce a hegemonic masculine identity. On the other hand, women were mocked for embodying traits culturally ascribed to masculinity. It is concluded that this works to legitimate men’s social dominance over women.

Author Biography

  • Melissa Yoong, University of Nottingham, Malaysia Campus

    Melissa Yoong is assistant professor in the School of English at the University of Nottingham’s Malaysia Campus. Her research focuses on sexist, postfeminist and neoliberal discourses in the mass media, in particular how these reinforce gender inequality in society.

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Published

2017-03-28

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Yoong, M. (2017). Men and women on air: gender stereotypes in humour sequences in a Malaysian radio phone-in programme. Gender and Language, 11(1), 30-50. https://doi.org/10.1558/genl.21035