SWT2: Draft paragraph
WRIT1001: Writing and Rhetoric – Academic Essays
The appeal to ethos is a crucial rhetorical strategy used by proponents of gender equality
to achieve credibility and reliability. Shannon et al. (2019) apply this method well in her article
on the necessity of gender equality in research, medicine, and global health by providing a
detailed examination of the current condition of gender discrepancies in these domains. The
authors increase their reputation and position themselves as authoritative voices on the issue by
mentioning substantial study and offering actual evidence. This rhetorical maneuver is critical in
convincing readers, particularly those with academic interests, to take their argument seriously.
In this sense, ethos might help to advance the cause of gender equality by appealing to the
audience's logic and objectivity. Pathos, or the appeal to emotions, also plays an important part
in gender equality. Carli (2020) uses emotion to investigate the impact of the COVID-19
pandemic on women and gender equality. Carli elicits a strong emotional response from her
readers by blending personal tales and real-life situations of women touched by the crisis into her
thesis. She emphasizes the problems, obstacles, and disadvantages encountered by women
throughout this difficult era, making gender equality a very personal and humane topic. This
emotional connection is critical in organizing support and action, since it inspires readers to
empathize with women's suffering and become change agents.
Along with ethos and pathos, logos, or the appeal to logic and reason, is important in
gender equality. Breda et al. (2020) successfully employ this technique in their investigation of
gender stereotypes and the gender-equality conundrum. The authors present a persuasive case for
the significance of deeply embedded prejudices in sustaining gender gaps, despite the presence
of gender-equal regulations in some nations, using rigorous empirical research and data-driven
arguments. They question prevalent ideas and promote critical thinking about the core causes of
gender inequality by focusing on logical argument and factual facts. This demonstrates how,
when anchored in strong logic and data, rhetoric can be a potent catalyst for reevaluating society
norms and pushing change. However, it is critical to recognize that individuals campaigning for
change are not the only ones who care about gender equality. Opponents of gender equality use
rhetorical methods to support their viewpoints as well. To oppose change, several of these
techniques entail citing tradition and cultural standards. Arguments opposing gender equality, for
example, may focus on long-standing cultural norms and expectations that have historically
given distinct duties to men and women. Such language frequently focuses on appeals to
tradition and authoritative individuals who support conventional gender norms, in an attempt to
maintain the status quo.
Furthermore, gender equality discourse connects with wider discussions about democracy
and social transformation. Inglehart, Norris, and Welzel (2003) investigate this junction by
looking at the connection between gender equality and democracy. Their argument is based on
the assumption that democracy and gender equality are inextricably linked, since both are related
to the larger concept of human values and societal reform. This rhetorical strategy emphasizes
the connectivity of gender equality with other fundamental components of society, presenting a
persuasive argument for its importance beyond activism.
SWT3: Thesis statement and research plan
Thesis statement
Rhetoric emerges as a crucial factor in modern gender equality debate, shaping,
contesting, and finally transforming perceptions and attitudes. This article delves at the subtle
connection between language and the thorny topic of gender equality. Within this dynamic
framework, rhetorical notions like as ethos, pathos, and logos emerge as potent instruments with
significant impact over the discussion. This paper attempts to shed light on the persuasive
approaches employed by both supporters and opponents of gender equality via a study of these
rhetorical strategies. It is clear that ethos, the appeal to authenticity and trustworthiness, acts as a
core ingredient in creating the authority of both proponents and adversaries of gender equality.
Pathos, or the appeal to emotion, is also important in inspiring empathy, arousing emotions, and
organizing support as well as resistance. Finally, logos, or the appeal to logic and reason, serves
as the foundation for the building of convincing arguments, promoting critical thinking, and
influencing perceptions. This investigation will provide light on how these rhetorical notions
overlap and interact within the discourse, eventually shaping the gender equality movement's
trajectory. This article intends to give significant insights into the power dynamics and strategies
at work in the continuing discourse on this critical subject by evaluating the vocabulary used by
various players.
Research plan
"Rhetoric and Gender Equality: Persuasion, Emotion, and Logic in Contemporary
Discourse"
Introduction
Rhetoric emerges as a powerful and varied force in contemporary gender equality debate,
shaping, contesting, and eventually transforming perceptions and attitudes. This article delves
deeply into the delicate relationship between language and the thorny subject of gender equality.
Within this dynamic framework, rhetorical notions like as ethos, pathos, and logos emerge as
crucial instruments with significant impact over the discussion.
Establishing Credibility and Trustworthiness in Gender Equality Discourse
Ethos, or the appeal to honesty and integrity, is critical in building the authority of both
gender equality supporters and adversaries. As proven by scholarly sources, notably Shannon et
al. (2019), ethos rhetoric impacts perceptions and provides weight to arguments.
Pathos in Gender Equality Discourse
Pathos, or the appeal to emotion, is useful in eliciting empathy, arousing emotions, and
organizing support or opposition. The examination of emotional appeals inherent in gender
equality rhetoric, based on scholarly sources such as Carli (2020), demonstrates the role of
pathos in driving action and strengthening viewpoints.
Appeals to Logic and Reason in Gender Equality Discourse
Logic, or reason, offers powerful arguments for or against gender equality. According to
Breda et al. (2020), logos builds compelling language through facts, statistics, and logic.
Counterarguments and Resistance
Oppositional language and methods hinder gender equality debates. This section
examines how counterarguments use ethos, pathos, and logos in resistance, as well as their
influence on the larger debate.
Intersectionality and Beyond
As Inglehart, Norris, and Welzel (2003) point out, gender equality discourse connects
with wider societal concerns. This section examines the ramifications of this intersectionality, as
well as the changing nature of discourse in addressing inclusiveness and diversity.
Conclusion
This paper concludes by restating the difficult thesis statement and summarizing the
important results. It comments on the changing role of language in gender equality discourse and
presents a call to action for continuing investigation and participation with this critical topic.
References
Breda, T., Jouini, E., Napp, C., & Thebault, G. (2020). Gender stereotypes can explain the
gender-equality paradox. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 117(49),
31063-31069. https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.2008704117
Carli, L. L. (2020). Women, gender equality and COVID-19. Gender in Management: An
International Journal, 35(7/8), 647-655.
https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/GM-07-2020-0236/full/html
Inglehart, R., Norris, P., & Welzel, C. (2003). Gender equality and democracy. In Human values
and social change (pp. 91-115). Brill.
https://brill.com/display/book/9789047404361/B9789047404361_s007.xml
Shannon, G., Jansen, M., Williams, K., Cáceres, C., Motta, A., Odhiambo, A., ... & Mannell, J.
(2019). Gender equality in science, medicine, and global health: where are we at and why
does it matter?. The Lancet, 393(10171), 560-569.
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanchi/article/PIIS0140-6736(18)33135-0/fulltext