VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, HANOI UNIVERSITY OF LANGUAGES AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES FACULTY OF GRADUATE STUDIES PHÙNG THỊ MỸ LINH DECONSTRUCTING THE ADORKABLE MISOGYNY FROM FEMINIST PERSPECTIVE OF THE COMEDY SERIES: THE BIG BANG THEORY (SEASON 1) GIẢI CẤU SỰ KỲ THỊ NỮ GIỚI QUA CÁC NHÂN VẬT KỲ QUẶC ĐÁNG YÊU TỪ GÓC ĐỘ VỊ NỮ QUYỀN CỦA LOẠT PHIM HÀI: LÝ THUYẾT VỤ NỔ LỚN (PHẦN 1) M.MINOR PROGRAMME THESIS Field: English Linguistics Code: 8220201.01 HANOI- 2024 VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, HANOI UNIVERSITY OF LANGUAGES AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES FACULTY OF GRADUATE STUDIES PHÙNG THỊ MỸ LINH DECONSTRUCTING THE ADORKABLE MISOGYNY FROM FEMINIST PERSPECTIVE OF THE COMEDY SERIES: THE BIG BANG THEORY (SEASON 1) GIẢI CẤU SỰ KỲ THỊ NỮ GIỚI QUA CÁC NHÂN VẬT KỲ QUẶC ĐÁNG YÊU TỪ GÓC ĐỘ VỊ NỮ QUYỀN CỦA LOẠT PHIM HÀI: LÝ THUYẾT VỤ NỔ LỚN (PHẦN 1) M.MINOR PROGRAMME THESIS Field: English Linguistics Code: 8220201.Huỳnh Anh Tuấn HANOI- 2024 DECLARATION I declare that the paper titled "Deconstructing Adorkable Misogyny in 'The Big Bang Theory' from a Feminist Perspective" is an authentic work produced by me. I affirm that all the ideas, arguments, and analyses presented in this paper are the result of my independent research and intellectual effort. I have appropriately acknowledged and referenced all sources used in the paper, ensuring that any direct quotations, paraphrases, or ideas from external sources are properly cited. I further declare that this paper has not been submitted, in whole or in part, for any other academic assessment or publication.
It is an original piece of work that reflects my own insights and contributions to the field of feminist media analysis. By signing this declaration, I confirm my adherence to the principles of academic honesty, integrity, and authenticity. I understand the consequences of plagiarism and recognize the importance of maintaining scholarly standards in all my academic endeavors. Hanoi – 2024 Approved by M.A student SUPERVISOR Dr.Huỳnh Anh Tuấn Phùng Thị Mỹ Linh Date:.
i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to several individuals who have played a significant role in the completion of my academic journey and the development of this paper. First and foremost, I extend my deepest appreciation to Dr. Huynh Anh Tuan for his guidance, mentorship, and unwavering support throughout this research endeavor. His invaluable insights and scholarly expertise have greatly enriched my understanding and contributed to the quality of this work.
I am incredibly grateful to my family for their constant encouragement and belief in my abilities. Their love, patience, and understanding have been instrumental in helping me navigate the challenges and demands of academic pursuits. I would like to specifically acknowledge my husband for his unwavering support and for continuously believing in my aspirations. To my dearest daughter, you are my inspiration and motivation.
Your infectious laughter and innocent presence have brought immense joy to my life, reminding me of the importance of balance and the beauty of embracing motherhood alongside my scholarly pursuits. The Master thesis could not have been fulfilled without them. ii ABSTRACT Despite advancements in gender equality and increased awareness of women's rights, misogyny remains a significant issue in contemporary society, often normalized by popular culture genres such as sitcoms. It manifests itself in various forms and contexts and affects women across different aspects of their lives.
Using a feminist orientation, this research investigates the misogyny presented by the so- called “adorkable” protagonists of the comedy series The Big Bang Theory. The data are collected from the dialogue and subtitles from the first season of this popular TV series in which the male actors, portrayed as dorky in a way regarded as appealing or cute, show their discrimination toward women in the name of humor for the audience. The study employed a qualitative method to analyze such misogynistic practices in the name of entertainment. The study categorizes the misogyny into five behaviors which are: stereotype (promotes a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image/idea of women, especially their physical appeal and/or provide comparisons to narrow standards), dominance (express male superiority or preserve male control over women), derailing (indicate a justification of women abuse while rejecting male responsibility with an attempt to disrupt the conversation in order to refocus it), sexual harassment, and discredit (combine slurring over women with no other larger intention).
By recognizing the urgency of misogyny and working towards more positive and inclusive representations of women in film, we can contribute to a more just and equitable world. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS DECLARATION. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS. iv LIST OF TABLES .vii CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION.
Aim and objectives. Scope of the research. Significance of the study. Structure of the thesis.
5 CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEW .Feminist perspective in CDA. 17 iv CHAPTER THREE METHODOLOGY. Research questions reinstated. Research approach and methods.
Data collection procedure. 29 CHAPTER FOUR FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION. Types of misogyny behavior constructed by the adorkable protagonists. Discredit: slurring over women with no other larger intention.
Stereotype and Objectification: to make women subordinated or .31 description of women’s physical appeal and/or comparisons to narrow standards. Sexual Harassment: describe actions such as sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and sexual nature harassment. Dominance: to preserve male control, protect male interests and to exclude women from conversation. Derailing: to justify abuse, reject male responsibility, and attempt to disrupt the conversation in order to refocus it.
Socio-cultural contexts shape and normalize misogyny in the discourses of the protagonists. Education and Socialisation. 45 CHAPTER FIVE CONCLUSION. A summary of key findings.
52 vi LIST OF TABLES Table 1. Examples of misogynistic behaviours. Examples of misogynistic behaviors annotated by lexicon choice. Key Factors Contributing to Misogyny in "The big bang theory".
Results of the misogyny identification task. Behavior of discredit. Behavior of Stereotype and Objectification. Behavior of Sexual Harassment.
Behavior of Dominance. Behavior of Derailing. 35 vii CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION This chapter sets the stage for the research, clearly outlining its purpose, methodology, and significance. Rationale Misogyny has existed throughout human’s history.
Ancient Greeks identified misogyny as an illness and it can be found within sacred texts of religions, mythologies, and Western philosophy as well as Eastern philosophy (Clack, 1999). Many misogynistic concepts have been documented in the works of several western philosophers (Smith,1983). Misogyny has risen over time and is now considered a widespread problem which may result in both physical and psychological violence (Flood, 2019). The consequences of misogyny can range from harassment to violence, affecting women's safety, well-being, and overall quality of life.
These harmful behaviors and attitudes have been subject to criticism and attempts to address them in various ways, including raising awareness about the harassment women face and analyzing misogynistic interpretations on social platforms. However, one aspect of misogyny that often goes unnoticed and is not given the attention it deserves is its presence within the entertainment field. While other forms of misogyny are recognized and criticized, misogyny in entertainment is often downplayed or dismissed due to its portrayal through endearing characters and concealed beneath the guise of humor and harmless jokes. This normalization of misogyny in entertainment not only perpetuates harmful stereotypes but also desensitizes audiences to its negative effects.
Hence, there is a pressing need for further studies and examination of misogyny within the entertainment field. By focusing on this aspect, researchers can shed light on the subtle and insidious ways in which misogyny is perpetuated, dissecting the underlying messages conveyed through various forms of media, including films, television shows, and online content. This exploration provides a 1 deeper understanding of the influence of entertainment on societal attitudes and norms, and how it contributes to the perpetuation of misogyny. Furthermore, investigating misogyny in the entertainment field can aid in raising awareness and fostering meaningful discussions about the harmful effects of such content.
It can serve as a catalyst for positive change, encouraging content creators, producers, and consumers to critically evaluate the messages they consume and create. Additionally, it can empower individuals to challenge and dismantle the prevailing stereotypes and tropes that contribute to the normalization of misogyny within the entertainment industry. "The Big Bang Theory" is a popular American sitcom created by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady that aired from 2007 to 2019. The series follows the lives of a group of socially awkward but brilliant scientists, primarily focusing on physicists Leonard Hofstadter and Sheldon Cooper, as well as their friends and colleagues.
The series has faced criticism for its portrayal of gender dynamics and female characters, with some viewers and critics arguing that it perpetuates misogynistic stereotypes and reinforces gender norms. It is quite obvious that sitcoms like "The Big Bang Theory" often employ humor and exaggeration as storytelling devices, which may lead to a portrayal of reality that is distorted for comedic effect. Recognizing this aspect of the genre, this study acknowledges that the depiction of gender dynamics and stereotypes within the show may not entirely mirror real-life experiences. However, it is essential to analyze how these portrayals contribute to broader cultural understandings of gender roles and norms.
The series also aired during a time of significant shifts in gender dynamics and representations in popular media. While it garnered praise for featuring a female character, Penny, as a central figure alongside the male scientists, it also faced criticism for its portrayal of gender stereotypes and the treatment of female characters. Contextual discussions around gender representation and inclusivity in media were prevalent during the show, serving as a focal point for debates surrounding the depiction of women in traditionally male-dominated spaces. Aim and objectives This study seeks to analyze and deconstruct the prejudice against women portrayed in the popular TV series "The Big Bang Theory.
The study aims to shed light on the power dynamics embedded in the discourses presented in "The Big Bang Theory." By investigating the language, narratives, and interactions within the show, the research explores how these discourses contribute to the normalization of misogyny. Understanding the influence and consequences of these discourses is crucial in unraveling the broader implications for societal attitudes and perceptions. The misogyny from the adorkable characters is examined from the perspective of feminism. To achieve this aim, the study seeks to achieve two objectives.
Firstly, it will identify and categorize the specific misogynistic behaviors exhibited by the show's protagonists, often characterized as endearingly awkward or "adorkable." Secondly, the thesis examines the socio-cultural contexts within the show that contribute to normalizing this misogyny. By analyzing factors like gender stereotypes and the portrayal of geek culture, this research explores how the show's environment shapes the characters' behavior and potentially reinforces harmful gender attitudes for the audience. Research questions This study attempts to answer the following questions: Question 1: What types of misogynistic behavior did the adorkable protagonists construct in the sitcom “The big bang theory”? Question 2: What socio-cultural contexts shape and normalise misogyny in the discourses of the protagonists? In order to deconstruct the "adorkable" figures and show that they dislike women, the study identifies specific types of misogynistic behavior performed by the protagonists. This is why question 1 was raised, to reveal the hidden misogyny behind their charming personalities.
3 Through examining these socio-cultural contexts, the study seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of how larger societal norms and attitudes contribute to the portrayal and acceptance of misogynistic discourse in popular media. By addressing research question 2, the study aims to contribute to ongoing discussions surrounding gender representation and equality in television narratives. Scope of the research The study focuses on the misogyny presented by actors who are considered nerdy in an endearing and lovable way. These characters are not necessarily male protagonists but can be the female leads as well since misogyny must not be criticized when coming solely from a man.