The Man Enough Paradox: Unpacking the Tensions between Masculinity and Femininity in Podcast Discourse

Abstract

Gender representation has been a salient area of research in media discourse; however, different genres of media discourse have not been investigated thoroughly. Podcast, a genre of media discourse, is one of them and requires both extensive and intensive research concerning gender representation. This study delves into the mechanism of how The Man Enough podcast describe masculinity and femininity, operating on the principles of Feminist Critical Discourse Analysis (FCDA) as a framework. With the help of Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis, the research identifies the linguistic and narrative strategies used in the podcast to either challenge or fortify societal gender norms. The findings reveal that the podcast actively engages with feminist principles, redefining norms of traditional masculinity by shutting the doors of communication barriers and providing safe space for emotional openness and questioning deep-rooted gender biases. In addition to this, it encourages an inclusive dialogue that critiques patriarchal structures while recognizing the societal roles and expectations placed on men and women. By exposing these discursive patterns, this study helps in the deeper understanding of gender ideologies in media, examining the influential role of language in modelling perceptions of masculinity and femininity