Unpacking Sexism in Religious Discourse: A Critical Discourse Analysis of sexist Language in the Speeches of Pakistani Islamic Scholars

Abstract

This study examines the ways in which religious discourse can perpetuate sexism through language. This study employs a mixed methodology approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative methods. Participants were selected using purposive sampling, a non-probability technique that involved intentionally choosing individuals who delivered speeches related to human rights in religion. The data collected from four most-viewed YouTube speeches delivered by popular Pakistani religious scholars: Maulana Tariq Jameel and Khadim Rizvi. The speeches have been translated by the researchers and then analyzed using Lancsbox software to obtain occurrences of gendered words and pronouns. This study contributes to the South Asian understanding of how language can perpetuate sexism. This study also highlights the need for more inclusive and equitable language practices in religious discourses since religious discourses view countries with a Muslim majority as a homogenous group instead of acknowledging the many different kind of individuals in those regions, including followers of various religions as well as atheists and agnostics. This study examines the presence of sexism in religious scholars’ speeches, exploring how language reinforces gender inequality. Employing a mixed method mixed methodology approach, the researchers combined critical discourse analysis (CDA) with content analysis to investigate speeches from influential Islamic religious scholars on YouTube. Grice’s maxims served as the theoretical framework, revealing violations of cooperative principles in sexist language and themes. Research findings expose reinforcement of gender stereotypes, exclusionary language and patriarchal norms in the aforementioned discourses. This research contributes to understanding sexism in religious contexts, demonstrates the applicability of Grice’s maxims in analyzing sexist language and informs strategies for promoting inclusive religious discourses. The study’s mixed methodology approach provides a model for future research on language, gender and religion.