Muslims Womens Studies(MWS)

Muslims Womens Studies(MWS)

Representation of Iranian Women's Identity in the Discourse of the Islamic Revolution: A Critical Faircloughian Analysis with an Intersectional Approach in Cultural, Political, and Digital Arenas

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Imam Hossein University
10.22034/mws.2026.2062472.1019
Abstract
This study aims to answer the question of how the discourse of the Islamic Revolution represents Iranian women's identity by employing Fairclough’s critical discourse analysis to explore the redefinition of women's identity within Iran's cultural, political, and social contexts. The theoretical framework is based on critical discourse analysis, Islamic approach, and intersectionality theory to investigate the relationship between language and power, religious dignity, and intra-group differences. Data were collected from official documents, public media, and digital content. Findings reveal that the discourse of the Islamic Revolution represents women through key terms ("dignity," "empowerment," "gender justice") and metaphors ("driver of Islamic civilization," "pillar of resistance") portraying them as loyal mothers and wives, entrepreneurs and educated individuals, and as models of civilizational resistance consistent with Islamic norms. Media and digital content reinforce this identity with heroic narratives. This discourse elevates women to the status of "civilizational mother-actor" and "scientific resistant woman" in opposition to Western discourses that reduce women to consumer objects, yet it reveals gaps with social realities such as limited economic participation and intersectional inequalities. The intersectional analysis shows that by integrating familial, scientific, and civilizational roles, this discourse strengthens social cohesion and regime legitimacy but primarily represents urban and educated women, while rural and ethnic minority women are less visible. The study emphasizes the need for policymaking to strengthen women's economic roles, reduce geographic and ethnic inequalities, and deepen gender justice.
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