Vituperative Language: A Study of Gendered Perception of Linguistic Boundaries for Gender
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70670/sra.v4i2.2251Keywords:
Gender, Abusive Language, Language Performativity, Social NormsAbstract
This quantitative descriptive inquiry explores the social, behavioral, and discoursal aspects influencing the use of abusive language by male and female graduates. The theoretical framework applied in this study is Judith Butler’s theory of gender performativity which asserts that language behavior is shaped by social expectations, norms and practices. A Google Form is filled from 60 respondents from both the genders approached via purposive sampling technique. The data analysis in form of frequencies reveal that men are generally perceived to use abusive language more often than women mainly in situations of anger. Males perceive abuser normal and prefer to respond in the same way. The study suggests that strong social expectations tend to make women shun abusive language to fulfill the expectations. Because of imposition of social norms set on communication by society, men and women are frequently perceived differently for surpassing the linguistic boundaries. The study provides significant insights into linguistics, anthropology, psychology, and sociology by investigating how male and females perceive abusive language in everyday life.
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