GENDER STEREOTYPES AND THEIR LINGUISTIC CONSTRUCTION IN CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH MAGAZINE DISCOURSE

Abstract

Gender is constructed not only through social practices but also through language and discourse. English-language magazines are an important site of gender representation because they combine information, evaluation, entertainment, and lifestyle content. This study examines the linguistic means through which gender stereotypes are constructed in contemporary English magazine discourse. The analysis focuses on lexical choice, evaluative language, semantic association, metaphor, and grammatical agency. A qualitative discourse-analytical approach is applied to magazine discourse concerning appearance, career, relationships, family, and personal achievement. The findings indicate that women are frequently associated with appearance, attractiveness, emotionality, and relationships, while men are more often associated with authority, competence, independence, and achievement. At the same time, contemporary magazines increasingly challenge traditional representations by presenting women as professionals and leaders and men as emotionally expressive and family-oriented. The study argues that contemporary gender stereotypes are often indirect and operate through repeated patterns of linguistic evaluation and association.