A discourse analysis of the construction of menopause in South African newspapers

Abstract

The researcher aimed to explore the construction of menopause through and by available discourses within South Africa. A postmodern paradigm and social constructionist framework informed the choice of discourse analysis as methodology. South African newspapers containing texts related to menopause were utilised. English articles that are available on a publically accessible library database were selected. The basic guideline for selection of 37 texts was the keyword menopause. The researcher identified and explored eight dominant discourses and two supplementary discourses. The researcher concluded that discourses are interconnected and that each discourse is strengthened or resisted by multiple complementary and conflicting discourses forming a network through which society understands and experiences their reality. Copyright