M. Isnaini, Anis Dwi Winarsih, Karlina Karadila Yustisia

Gender Representation in Religious Sermons: A Critical Language Study of Popular Indonesian Preachers on YouTube

Introduction

Gender representation in religious sermons: a critical language study of popular indonesian preachers on youtube. Explore gender representation in Indonesian religious sermons by popular preachers on YouTube. A critical language study reveals how language reinforces traditional gender roles and inequality.

Abstract

The gender representations conveyed through the language of religious speakers play a significant role in shaping public perceptions of the roles of men and women. This study examines sermons delivered by two popular figures, Ustadz Abdul Somad and Ustadzah Oki Setiana Dewi, to explore how gender constructions are represented through lexical choices, speech styles, and discourse structures. Using a critical language study approach, the findings reveal that although both speakers convey religious messages with different styles, Ustadz Abdul Somad tends to be normative and direct, while Ustadzah Oki adopts a more narrative and emotional approach, both still reproduce traditional gender patterns. Women are often associated with obedience, domesticity, and gentleness, whereas men are portrayed as leaders, protectors, and holders of authority. These findings demonstrate that the language used in religious sermons not only communicates moral and spiritual messages but also contributes to reinforcing social constructions of gender inequality.

Review

This study, "Gender Representation in Religious Sermons: A Critical Language Study of Popular Indonesian Preachers on YouTube," addresses a highly relevant and timely topic concerning the interplay of religious discourse and societal gender norms. By focusing on popular Indonesian religious figures on a widely accessible platform, the research effectively highlights how language in sermons significantly contributes to shaping public perceptions of gender roles. The choice to examine Ustadz Abdul Somad and Ustadzah Oki Setiana Dewi, representing both male and female perspectives, offers a promising lens through which to explore these complex dynamics within a significant cultural and religious context. The application of a Critical Language Study (CLS) approach is a strong methodological choice, allowing for a detailed analysis of lexical choices, speech styles, and discourse structures that often subtly embed and reproduce gendered ideologies. The findings are particularly insightful, demonstrating that despite differences in rhetorical style—Somad's normative and direct approach versus Dewi's more narrative and emotional one—both speakers ultimately reinforce traditional gender patterns. The specific identification of women being associated with obedience, domesticity, and gentleness, while men are portrayed as leaders, protectors, and holders of authority, provides concrete evidence of how religious language can perpetuate existing social constructions of gender inequality. This detailed linguistic analysis makes a valuable contribution to understanding the sociocultural impact of religious media. While the study offers robust insights, the discussion could potentially be strengthened by elaborating on the specific theoretical underpinnings of the Critical Language Study as applied to this context, perhaps linking more explicitly to established frameworks within gender studies or broader critical discourse analysis. Furthermore, a brief discussion on the practical implications of these findings for religious education or social advocacy could enhance its real-world relevance. Despite these minor points for potential expansion, this paper presents a compelling and well-executed analysis. Its findings are significant for scholars in linguistics, religious studies, and gender studies, offering crucial insights into the pervasive influence of religious discourse on gender perceptions. This is a valuable contribution that merits publication.

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