Thesis

Symbolic Consumption of Sport and Feminist Journalism: Discursive Intersections in the Representation of Female Athletes in Women-Produced and Women-Focused Media

Camilla Rodrigues Netto da Costa Rocha

Abstract

Feminist journalism aims to amplify women’s voices, focusing on issues pertinent to this sociological minority and targeting a female audience. This research examines two feminist media outlets—“Think Olga” and “Dibradoras”—to investigate their discursive strategies and understand the symbolic consumption of sports as represented through female athletes. The study utilizes gender/sex/sexuality and embodiment theories, alongside sports studies, to explore body fluidity, performativity, and possible transgressions or adaptations. It also integrates concepts of biosociability and recognition with symbolic consumption of sports. Employing French Discourse Analysis (FDA) with a focus on discursive formations, the research will analyze how representations of female athletes are influenced by and interact with other circulating discourses. The findings aim to reveal how feminist media shapes the symbolic consumption of sports and the distinct meanings attributed to female athletes, highlighting the deeper discursive conflicts influencing the portrayal of women in sports.

Application

The research provides opportunities for engaging in media literacy education to promote conscious content production and consumption. It also enables the development of programs aimed at advancing gender equity within organizations.