| |
| author |
Skylar M. Tanski
| | title |
The Interaction of Language and Gender as a Distinct Space for Social Construction
| | abstract |
Within this thesis, I characterize the interaction between gender and language as a distinct
space which is unique from both individually, and which contributes to the creation and
reproduction of social constructs. I establish the relationship between gender and language as one
which is mutually constitutive, and suggest that the power relations underlying social constructs
are affected by the interaction between language and gender. Following this, I discuss structural
binarism as a means of hierarchical domination, and the resulting necessity of deconstructing
binaries and affirming non-binarism within society. Finally, I make use of the postcolonial
concept of hybridity to reaffirm the power of gender and language for social construction. Three
languages are used as case studies to demonstrate these points: Inuktitut, Irish Sign Language,
and Lakota. I conclude with a discussion of these case studies and the political context in which
social constructions of both language and gender as nonbinary concepts is threatened. A French
version of the case studies and discussion is also provided.
| | school |
The College of Liberal Arts, Drew University
| | degree |
B.A. (2025)
|
| advisor |
Wendy Kolmar
|
| committee |
Marie-Pascale Pieretti
Sandra Jamieson
Carlos Yordan
|
| full text | STanski.pdf |
| |
