Abstract:
The dissertation studies "femininity" in 576 issues of Satrisarn Magazine from 1948-1996 by selecting a total of 3,268 texts from columns of opinion expression, statement, editorial and correspondence. The findings are as follows: After examining the magazine according to three dimensions of Fairclough's critical discourse analysis (CDA) framework, the text demonstrates the fact that "femininity" is the result of the objective of the producer such as the editor and the writers who wish to see women become more educated and play a more active role in their society. Besides, the readers are also able to express their opinions on a variety of subjects through their correspondence with the magazine. This relationship between the producer and consumer emerges as a part of a Discursive Practice whereby the magazine's distinctive feature is to give priority to the consumer instead of aiming for business benefits. In addition, the study of social context or Sociocultural Practice also indicates that within the prevailing social and economic condition during the 48 year period from the beginning until the terminating of the magazine's operations have seen social changes that result in more women taking on a role outside the domestic sphere. Ultimately this also affects the text generated in the magazine. From the analysis of the content, there are altogether nine linguistic strategies which include word choice, modality, reference, rhetorical question, idiom, metaphor, verbal irony, presupposition and intertexuality. These linguistic stratetgies reflect three notions of "femininity" i.e. (1) aesthetic physical beauty and dressing, (2) behavior such as behavior across genders and behavior of feeling and emotional expression and (3) duties and responsibility both in housework and work outside home. These three notions above reflect two important ideologies i.e. "patriarchal ideology" and "feminist ideology". For the aesthetic physical beauty, women believe that they must be physically appealing and are able to make themselves physically attractive. With regard to behavior, women are inferior to men or they play the submissive role. They also are confined to the roles of wife and mother. By analyzing the text, the magazine creates "femininity" to support men-a clear indication of the dominant "patriarchal ideology". Moreover, some ideas show that women can educate themselves for the purpose of self-improvement and to enhance their professional and social roles. The framework of "feminist ideology" calls for an increased self-reliance among women.