#metooSTEM: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Twitter Responses to Sexism in Graduate STEM Programs

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 27
  In Roundtable Session: When and Where Do Women Enter in STEM Related Careers

Abstract

Using the framework of feminist poststructuralism, this critical discourse analysis sought to identify the linguistic tools and discourses that characterized the tweets of women in STEM as they shared their experiences with sexism during their graduate studies. Data collection and analysis focused on identifying specific linguistic tools such as stance and deixis, and on how language is used to convey power and gender biases. The purpose of critical discourse analysis is to make visible the language used to marginalize women in STEM but is instead packaged as normal or natural. Findings suggest that linguistic tools were used to convey power, solidarity, and a call to action against harassers in STEM higher education.

Authors

• Ariel Steele, Auburn University

• Laura Parson, North Dakota State University