Contradictions in Gendered Discourses

Feminist Readings of Sexist Jokes?

Authors

  • Jane Sunderland Lancaster University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/genl.v1i2.207

Keywords:

contradictions, discourse(s), double voicing, post-feminism, reading

Abstract

In this largely theoretical paper, I look at contradictions as these may be experienced by feminist readers of sexist jokes, and at ways active readers may deal with these. Drawing on the notions of interpellation (e.g. Althusser, 1998) and focalisation (Genette, 1972; Montgomery, 2000), I start with ways of reading the text in question – a set of sexist jokes. Then, drawing on the rather diverse theoretical notions of reader response(s), discourse(s), irony, double voicing and post-feminism, I look at ways of articulating feminist readings of the set of jokes. I propose four ‘alternative reading positions’ for feminists; in this way, the paper also contributes, modestly, to a theory of reading. I conclude by examining the implications of the study for everyday practice and for feminism itself.

Author Biography

  • Jane Sunderland, Lancaster University

    Director of Studies, PhD in Applied Linguistics by Thesis and Coursework Dept. of Linguistics and English Language Lancaster University Lancs. LA1 4YT

Published

2007-10-23

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Sunderland, J. (2007). Contradictions in Gendered Discourses: Feminist Readings of Sexist Jokes?. Gender and Language, 1(2), 207-228. https://doi.org/10.1558/genl.v1i2.207