Problematizing the Problem: A Cross-Cultural Study of Problems in Women's Advice Articles

Abstract

In this study, the sex and relationship advice articles in locally-produced English language women’s magazines from three different contexts, which are, Malaysia, the US, and two Middle Eastern countries, Egypt and the UAE, were examined to explore the kinds of problems that appear in each context. According to Machin and Van Leeuwen (2003), the problem-solution discourse schema used by several international editions of Cosmopolitan is essentially a global one. We aim to investigate if this schema can be applied to home-grown women’s magazines as well. Sex and relationship advice articles from six home-grown English language women’s magazines (two magazines from each context) were analysed. The findings reveal variations in the definitions and contextualisation of each problem category in the three contexts. However, the overall aim of these articles is rather similar. That is, the problems that appear in these magazines are chosen to help women find answers to achieve certain life goals such as independence and confidence in all three contexts.

Keywords

• Relationship Advice
• Women’s Magazines
• Cross-cultural Analysis
• Empowerment
• Machin and Van Leeuwen

Kadın Dergilerinde Tavsiye Yazıları

Abstract

Kadın Dergilerinde Tavsiye Yazıları: Bu çalışmanın amacı, Malezya, Amerika ve Orta Doğu (Mısır ve Birleşik Arap Emirlikleri) olmak üzere 3 farklı bağlamda İngilizce dilinde basılan kadın magazinlerinde cinsellik ve ilişki tavsiyeleri konularında kaleme alınmış yazıları incelemektir.     

In this study, the sex and relationship advice articles in locally-produced English language women’s magazines from three different contexts, which are, Malaysia, the US, and two Middle Eastern countries, Egypt and the UAE, were examined to explore the kinds of problems that appear in each context. According to Machin and Van Leeuwen (2003), the problem-solution discourse schema used by several international editions of Cosmopolitan is essentially a global one. We aim to investigate if this schema can be applied to home-grown women’s magazines as well. Sex and relationship advice articles from six home-grown English language women’s magazines (two magazines from each context) were analysed. The findings reveal variations in the definitions and contextualisation of each problem category in the three contexts. However, the overall aim of these articles is rather similar. That is, the problems that appear in these magazines are chosen to help women find answers to achieve certain life goals such as independence and confidence in all three contexts.

Keywords

• ilişki tavsiyeleri
• kadın magazinleri
• karşılaştırmalı kültür
• Van Leeuwen
• güçlendirme

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