Gender, Language and Indian Reality Television: Locating Social Stereotypes and Linguistic Sexism

Authors

  • Sohaib Alam Dept. of English, College of Sciences and Humanities in Al Kharj Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia
  • Shafey Anwarul Haque Research Scholar, Centre for Women’s Studies Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15503/jecs2021.2.482.492

Keywords:

Reality television, gender, language, social standards, adherence, audience  perception

Abstract

Aim. The reality genre has gained much popularity in last few years across the globe. In India too, this genre has reportedly surpassed other genres in recognition and acceptance. However, its format and content intrigue controversies at both social and academic level, but its mass appeal gets bigger each day. The study examines gender, language and issues of gendered language in Indian reality show Bigg Boss. While keeping in view the format and claim of the genre, the study observes how under thorough surveillance, housemates negotiate with their real self and grapple with their language practice. Influence of neoliberalism on society, culture and identity has been very much discussed, the paper attempts to highlight how this transitions in gender identity is depicted in a show taking non-actors and common people.

Concept. For the purpose of the study, scripted transcription of Bigg Boss (Season 11) has been used, wherein all the episodes of have been watched back and forth carefully, and detailed notes prepared for the analysis. Housemates’ language practice, voice pattern and preference of words and statements have been observed.

Results and conclusion. The study finds that game reality show Bigg Boss substantially adheres to social stereotypes and standards and while doing so, it also imitates the language practice prevalent everywhere. Although active participation of women in the show is visible butt while exhibiting their true self, sometimes gender prejudice embedded deep inside also comes out, which in case of men is very frequent. The study concludes that as a globally acclaimed genre, reality show, like other genres, is very much commercialized and consumer oriented.  

Originality. A number of studies related to reality shows have been conducted, but in Indian context, this genre has been inadequately explored. Also, it is very difficult to find studies focusing any specific season of an Indian reality show, so it would not be incorrect to mention that the present study is one of the primary works on this subject, which aims at making some significant contribution related to this genre, in academia.

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Author Biographies

Sohaib Alam, Dept. of English, College of Sciences and Humanities in Al Kharj Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia

Dr. Sohaib Alam is currently working as an Assistant Professor of English at the Department of English, College of Science and Humanities, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia. He holds a Ph.D. in English Language Teaching (ELT) from Aligarh Muslim University, India. His areas of interest are Applied Linguistics, Pragmatics, Teaching Methods, Blended Learning, and Pedagogic Theory. He has presented papers at both national and international conferences, published research articles and papers in various indexed journals. He has been teaching English for over 2 years.

Shafey Anwarul Haque, Research Scholar, Centre for Women’s Studies Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India

Shafey Anwarul Haque is a Research Scholar at the Centre for Women's Studies, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh. He completed his post-graduation in Mass Communication and worked as a freelance journalist for a while before starting the doctoral program. His areas of interest include gender studies, media studies and minority issues. He has presented a number of papers in national and international seminars and conferences and his articles on social issues regularly appear on digital platforms.

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Published

2021-09-25

How to Cite

Alam, S. ., & Haque, S. A. . (2021). Gender, Language and Indian Reality Television: Locating Social Stereotypes and Linguistic Sexism. Journal of Education Culture and Society, 12(2), 482–492. https://doi.org/10.15503/jecs2021.2.482.492

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 2 (2021): Journal of Education Culture and Society

Section

EXPRESSION

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