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Of the Mothers, by the Mothers and for the Mothers: A Frame Analysis of Motherhood Discourse in Female Politicians’ Speeches

Molony, Samantha L

Abstract Details

2016, MA, University of Cincinnati, Arts and Sciences: Communication.
This thesis uses a frame analysis method to demonstrate how women in politics communicate motherhood in their political speeches. In the political context of women being largely underrepresented in United States' politics for most of its history and in a larger social context of gender discrimination in our society, this study helps shed light on the communication of societal acceptable feminine role of motherhood by female politicians. Through the theoretical framework of Feminist Standpoint Theory and literature on women in politics, I use the framing analysis to add to this literature. Using a framing analysis method, I demonstrate that the women consistently use frames of 'Mother's Wisdom', 'Responsibility for Our Children', and 'Support for Motherhood Political Policies' with the intent to gain common ground and competency with voters. These frames led to larger political implications of essentializing the mother's experience and duplicating paternalistic politics. As a contribution to the field of Communication, this frame analysis features a unique look at the implications and restrictions that assist in the development of women in politics' standpoints as a marginalized group in US politics.
Zhuo Ban, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Gail Fairhurst, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Nancy Jennings, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
71 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Molony, S. L. (2016). Of the Mothers, by the Mothers and for the Mothers: A Frame Analysis of Motherhood Discourse in Female Politicians’ Speeches [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1460447019

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Molony, Samantha. Of the Mothers, by the Mothers and for the Mothers: A Frame Analysis of Motherhood Discourse in Female Politicians’ Speeches. 2016. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1460447019.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Molony, Samantha. "Of the Mothers, by the Mothers and for the Mothers: A Frame Analysis of Motherhood Discourse in Female Politicians’ Speeches." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1460447019

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)