Sexist Language in the Narrative Content of Mata Najwa: “Susahnya Jadi Perempuan”

Abstract

Sexist language refers to linguistic expressions that reflect and reinforce unequal power relations between genders. In the Mata Najwa episode entitled “Susahnya Jadi Perempuan”, various forms of sexist discourse were identified in both the statements of the invited speakers and the host’s narration. These expressions reveal gender bias that manifests through linguistic choices and narrative structures, contributing to social inequality between men and women. Such representations are deeply rooted in cultural norms and are continuously reproduced through everyday language use. For instance, occupational roles that emphasize physical strength are frequently labeled using masculine terminology. This content illustrates how certain words or expressions are more commonly associated with specific genders, thereby shaping perceptions and influencing the treatment of individuals based on gender. This study employs a qualitative descriptive method grounded in Sara Mills’ theoretical framework. The findings reveal four forms of direct sexist expressions and two forms of indirect sexism. Overall, the results indicate that Indonesian society tends to employ implicit forms of sexism more frequently, often unconsciously, in the marginalization of women.