Addressing discourses in manuals/texts on male engagement in ending child marriage

Abstract: AbstractFor this thesis I have conducted a discourse analysis on which discourses that are being reproduced in texts on the issue of male engagement in ending child marriage. I am looking at the agency of both males and females, what is taken for granted, words that carry norms and how these are maintain or challenging the dominant discourse on the topic.In the thesis I have analysed manuals/briefs on male engagement in ending child marriage using Fairclough’s approach to discourse. Fairclough uses the concept of discourse in three ways. First, discourse refers to language use as social practice. Secondly, discourse is explained as language used within a specific field, such as a scientific discourse. Thirdly discourse is used as a count noun referring to a way of speaking which gives meaning to experiences from a specific perspective (Jørgensen & Phillips 2002). Per Fairclough, discourse constructs social identities, social relations as well as knowledge and meaning (Jørgensen & Phillips 2002). Norms that shape discourses are a crucial for my analysis in this thesis. Norms can either be maintained or challenged and the norm critical approach is suitable for investing power relations.I found that there is not just one relevant discourse being reproduced in the texts. Some segments are displaying the girls as more passive, maintaining a stereotype. While others use an approach that may challenge the normal assumption. All texts emphasize on working towards changing a potential harmful masculine gender norm for men and boys which in the end can affect the likeliness of child marriage and empowerment of the females. They are assumed to not be equal on their own, they need to be encouraged to change their behaviours and open up to a more inclusive masculine gender norm. Overall, the language that is used in the manuals is “soft” in its approach and not judgemental or critical. This possibly to be sensitive and not create aggression. The texts claim that they wish to shift norms and behaviours on the issue. The risk is that the texts may not condemn child marriage or emphasize the downsides enough when they are more focused on turning men into allies.