The discourse analysis of constructing female subjectivity in relation to male domination (women in Sanandaj)

The main goal of this research is to apply Foucauldian discourse analysis to study body management among women in the context of consumer society, especially in relation to male domination. To study this, we have used Foucauldian discourse analysis and gathered data through individual deep interview with 26 women in Sanandaj. The findings show that eight statement can be inferred from these interviews. These statements imply that female subjectivity is the product of an inter-discursive space of conflict and struggle. The techniques constructing female subjectivity cab be divided into two kinds: techniques developing female individuality and techniques reproducing male domination. The main subject positions represented to women are: “the base of life”, “loyal beloved”, sex partner”, “attractive woman”, “kind woman” and “housewife”. And finally, the main discourses constructing female subjectivity are: “self-actualization”, “romantic love”, “autonomous woman”, “body fitness”, “life partner” and “sympathetic mother”. To answer the main question of research, we can claim that the three discourses of “self-actualization”, “romantic love” and “autonomous woman” promote female individuality and the discourses of “body fitness”, “life partner” and “sympathetic mother” reproduce male domination.