Date of Award

1-1-2013

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Specialization

Communication and Leadership

School or Department

School of Leadership Studies

First Advisor

Dr. Heather Crandall

Abstract

This study examines the way women are denied an equal voice in American politics through disparities in our language structure and overt sexism. This thesis begins with a review of the literature which discusses the need for an equitable and just society and how the underlying structure of our language system is flawed in such a way that it subjugates women and inhibits the development of such a society. This is followed by a brief summary of why it is necessary for us to examine this societal disparity from the perspective of women themselves. This thesis uses a pentadic analysis to specifically examine the “vaginagate” incident that occurred in June 14, 2012, where Michigan Representative Lisa Brown was silenced on the House floor for saying the word “vagina”. The goal of this study is to determine the motivation behind Lisa Brown’s “muting” in an effort to determine if we can prevent female politicians from being silenced in the future.

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