Date of Award

6-3-2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Specialization

Communication and Leadership

School or Department

School of Leadership Studies

First Advisor

Dr. Pavel Shlossberg

Second Advisor

Dr. Heather Crandall

Abstract

Climate change is one of the most critical threats facing the 21st century. The effects on the planet, humankind, jobs, food supply, and other vital resources increase every year. Those communicating these details to the American public through mass media are doing so with gendered discourse. This study analyzes three speeches from predominant climate change communicators representing three different platforms: politician Al Gore, cultural figure Leonardo DiCaprio, and climate scientist James Hansen. Using discourse analysis informed by feminist standpoint theory, this study suggests that frames, words, phrases, and communication styles embedded in discussions of climate change continue to use gendered language reflecting patriarchy (Hallstein, 1999, Harding, 1986). Gendered climate change discourse reflects male worldview (Bee, 2013), muting the female gender’s voice and way to frame its occurrence. The major gendered themes or categories identified in the study include: patriarchal reinforcement of the gendered military symbolism, instrumental rationality as a mode of gendered communication, and “report talk.” Acknowledging these gendered tropes could bring all genders into climate change policy creation and outreach efforts.

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