Gendered language of Bihar proverbs: a descriptive study of inequality

Abstract

This study aims at exploring the scope of proverbs of Bihar, a state in India, in developing gender inequality in society. A sample from the published collections and the Internet source, which consists of gender-related proverbs, has been selected. After making a categorization, these sayings have been analysed and interpreted in the light of Ambivalent Sexism theory and Feminist Critical Discourse Analysis, from which we find that men are given a positive portrayal, whereas women are presented in a misogynistic way. The finding of the study holds significance because negative stereotypes about any gender embedded in the folk discourse of any culture can be weakened by their critical discussion in class at the school level. It is anticipated that this study would motivate more research on folk and cultural discourse, and highlight the importance of treating both genders equally.