Media practitioners should be more sensitive and responsible for choosing language

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 141 views

Sexism in the News of Tempo Digital Magazine: A Critical Discourse Analysis

Introduction

The representation of gender in the media plays a significant role in shaping public opinion and influencing societal attitudes towards women. The way news is reported can either perpetuate or challenge existing power dynamics, and sexism in the news can have far-reaching consequences. This study aims to examine the phenomenon of sexism in the news of Tempo Digital Magazine, specifically in their Special Report edition on April 24, 2021, using the critical discourse analysis (CDA) method developed by Teun A. Van Dijk.

Methodology

This study employed a qualitative approach, utilizing the CDA method to analyze the discourse of Tempo Digital Magazine's Special Report edition. The CDA method is a critical approach that examines the relationship between language, power, and ideology. It involves analyzing the text, social cognition, and social context to understand how language is used to construct and reinforce social relationships. The theory of sexism was integrated into this study, highlighting the use of sexist language and its impact on gender representation in the media.

Theoretical Framework

The critical paradigm was chosen as the theoretical framework for this study, providing a sharp analysis of the data. The critical paradigm emphasizes the importance of understanding the social context and power dynamics that shape language use. It also highlights the need for critical discourse analysis to uncover the underlying ideologies and power relationships that are embedded in language.

Data Collection and Analysis

The data for this study consisted of seven articles from Tempo Digital Magazine's Special Report edition on April 24, 2021. Six of the articles were written by the Tempo Magazine Women's Writer Team, while one was written by a lecturer from the Indonesian Law College (STIHI). The articles were analyzed using three approaches: text analysis, social cognition analysis, and social context analysis.

Text Analysis

The text analysis involved examining the macro, superstructure, and micro structures of the text. The results showed that there was a preference for certain metaphors and lexicons in the writing, which supported several parties without demeaning other parties or gender. This suggests that the writers were attempting to present a balanced and fair representation of the issue.

Social Cognition Analysis

The social cognition analysis involved examining the schemes used in the report, including the event scheme, person's scheme, and role scheme. The results showed that the scheme used in this report included the event scheme, the person's scheme, and the role scheme that arose in the Discourse of Lecturer of STIHI. This suggests that the writers were attempting to present a nuanced and complex representation of the issue.

Social Context Analysis

The social context analysis involved examining the practice of power and access applied by Tempo to show exclusivity to their readers. The results showed that Tempo was attempting to create a sense of exclusivity and privilege among their readers, which can perpetuate existing power dynamics.

Conclusion

This study reveals the phenomenon of sexism in the news of Tempo Digital Magazine, specifically in their Special Report edition on April 24, 2021. The results show that the writers were attempting to present a balanced and fair representation of the issue, but that the language and framing used in the report can still perpetuate existing power dynamics. The study provides recommendations for media practitioners to be more sensitive and responsible for choosing language and how to present news, especially those related to gender issues.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Media practitioners should be more sensitive and responsible for choosing language: Media practitioners should be aware of the language and framing used in news reports and strive to present a balanced and fair representation of the issue.
Media practitioners should avoid perpetuating existing power dynamics: Media practitioners should avoid creating a sense of exclusivity and privilege among their readers, which can perpetuate existing power dynamics.
Media practitioners should provide more nuanced and complex representations of the issue: Media practitioners should strive to present a nuanced and complex representation of the issue, avoiding simplistic or stereotypical representations.
Media practitioners should be aware of the impact of sexism in the news: Media practitioners should be aware of the impact of sexism in the news and strive to create a more inclusive and equitable representation of women in the media.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the study only examined one edition of Tempo Digital Magazine's Special Report, which may not be representative of the magazine's overall content. Secondly, the study only analyzed seven articles, which may not be a sufficient sample size to draw general conclusions. Finally, the study only examined the language and framing used in the report, which may not be the only factor influencing the representation of women in the media.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to examine the representation of women in the media more broadly, including other media outlets and formats. Additionally, future research should aim to examine the impact of sexism in the news on public opinion and societal attitudes towards women. Finally, future research should aim to develop more nuanced and complex theories of sexism in the news, which can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the issue.
Q&A: Sexism in the News of Tempo Digital Magazine

Introduction

Sexism in the news is a pervasive issue that can have far-reaching consequences for women and society as a whole. In our previous article, we examined the phenomenon of sexism in the news of Tempo Digital Magazine, specifically in their Special Report edition on April 24, 2021. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about sexism in the news and provide additional insights into this complex issue.

Q: What is sexism in the news?

A: Sexism in the news refers to the use of language and framing in news reports that perpetuate stereotypes, biases, and inequalities against women. This can include the use of sexist language, the omission of women's perspectives, and the perpetuation of patriarchal ideologies.

Q: Why is sexism in the news a problem?

A: Sexism in the news can have far-reaching consequences for women and society as a whole. It can perpetuate stereotypes and biases, limit women's opportunities and choices, and reinforce patriarchal ideologies. It can also contribute to the objectification and commodification of women's bodies.

Q: How can sexism in the news be identified?

A: Sexism in the news can be identified through a critical discourse analysis of news reports. This involves examining the language, framing, and representation of women in the news, as well as the power dynamics and ideologies that underlie these representations.

Q: What are some common forms of sexism in the news?

A: Some common forms of sexism in the news include:

The use of sexist language, such as objectifying or demeaning language
The omission of women's perspectives and experiences
The perpetuation of patriarchal ideologies, such as the idea that men are superior to women
The use of stereotypes and biases to describe women
The objectification and commodification of women's bodies

Q: How can sexism in the news be addressed?

A: Sexism in the news can be addressed through a combination of individual and institutional efforts. This can include:

Media literacy training for journalists and media professionals
Increased representation of women in the media
Critical discourse analysis of news reports
Public awareness campaigns to raise awareness about sexism in the news
Policy changes to promote greater diversity and inclusion in the media

Q: What can individuals do to address sexism in the news?

A: Individuals can address sexism in the news by:

Critically evaluating the language and framing used in news reports
Seeking out diverse and inclusive sources of information
Supporting media outlets that prioritize diversity and inclusion
Engaging in public discussions and debates about sexism in the news
Supporting policy changes that promote greater diversity and inclusion in the media

Q: What can media outlets do to address sexism in the news?

A: Media outlets can address sexism in the news by:

Increasing representation of women in the media
Providing media literacy training for journalists and media professionals
Conducting critical discourse analysis of news reports
Implementing policies to promote diversity and inclusion in the media
Engaging in public discussions and debates about sexism in the news

Conclusion

Sexism in the news is a pervasive issue that can have far-reaching consequences for women and society as a whole. By understanding the forms and effects of sexism in the news, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable media landscape.