Liberal Feminism in Run the World (Girls) Music Video by Beyonce: A Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis

Berlyan Ardhya Putri Sutisna, Aris Wuryantoro, Theresia Budi Sucihati

Abstract


This study aims to analyze the representation of liberal feminism in Beyoncé’s music video Run the World (Girls) using a Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis (MCDA) approach. This study uses the theory of liberal feminism by Tong (2009), which focuses on the aspects of power, equality, and freedom, and the MCDA theory by O’Halloran (2008). This study employs a qualitative method with a multimodal analysis design. The data were collected from the song lyrics and visual scenes in the music video Run the World (Girls). The results indicate that representations of liberal feminism are constructed through multiple semiotic modes. In the multiple semiotic mode, the aspects of power and freedom are found in the combination of lyrics and visuals, which reinforce the meaning of liberal feminism. Thus, the results of this study indicate that the music video for “Run the World (Girls)” presents liberal feminism, in which women are portrayed as individuals who possess power, equal opportunities, and the freedom to make their own choices and actively contribute to the public sphere.

Keywords


liberal feminism; MCDA; power; freedom; equality.

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References


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