SWT2: Proposal
WRIT1001: Writing and Rhetoric – Academic Essays
Student number: 490091074
According to what I mentioned in SWT1, feminism in gender rhetoric can be
conceptualized as the use of rhetorical techniques and strategies to reduce patriarchal
stereotypes and further promote gender equality. Feminist rhetoricians typically use
strategies such as inclusive language or rhetorical questions and repetition, among
others, to achieve these goals. Feminist rhetoric simultaneously emphasizes the
significance of language and discourse in shaping people's perceptions of gender,
opening up new perspectives for studies of rhetoric and writing (Royster and Kirsch,
2012). According to Gold and Enoch (2019), the research illustrates a historical
context of the relationship between women and work in the United States,
highlighting the gendered and racialized disparities that have existed.
First, they use exemplification by providing examples of the limitations of current
approaches to studying women's labor issues, such as the narrow focus on the gender
wage gap and lack of attention to the experiences of women of color and trans women.
These examples assist in illustrating their argument and make it more relatable and
understandable for the reader. Secondly, the author makes use of rhetorical questions
to attract readers and motivate them to contemplate the issues under discussion in
greater depth. For example, they ask "how can we begin to rethink labor policy in
ways that more fully capture the realities of working women's lives?" This question
encourages the reader to consider the implications of their argument and consider
possible solutions.
Logos is defined by Aristotle as the use of logic and reason to make arguments. This
involves presenting a well-reasoned argument using evidence, facts, and logical
conclusions to convince an audience (Walker, 2005). The argumentative claims used
by Gold and Enoch are logical. For example, they provide statistics on the salary gap
between male and female workers and on discrimination in employment, as well as
case studies that attempt to resolve these issues. Through logical arguments, the
reader can gain a deeper understanding of the female workplace experience to make
enhancements in the future. Again, as in the example mentioned in the walker article
(2005), the mock lawyer provided a well-planned and logical presentation during the
final stages of the mock trial and finally succeeded in convincing the judge, which
both highlighted the importance of the logos.
Pathos refers to an appeal to the emotions of the audience, which includes using
language and imagery that elicits feelings such as pity or anger to create an emotional
connection with the audience (Aristotle, 1954). Gold and Enoch use the same
rhetorical technique of emotional appeal in their study, showing the emotional loss in
the workplace by describing the self-reports of women in the workplace who face
discrimination and harassment, evoking anger and sympathy for the persistent gender
inequalities in the workplace, eliciting emotional resonance and creating empathy in
the reader.
Overall, the research uses a variety of rhetorical appeals to make a compelling
argument about the need for more attention to be paid to the gendered dynamics of the
workplace. Their use of personal narratives, statistics, and logical arguments assist in
establishing their credibility and create a sense of empathy with their readers.
References:
Aristotle. (1954). Rhetoric (W. R. Roberts, Trans.). Random House. (Original work
published 350 B.C.).
Gold, D., & Enoch, J. (2019). Women at Work: Rhetorics of Gender and Labor.
University of Pittsburgh Press.
Royster, J. J., Kirsch, G. E., & Bizzell, P. (2012). Feminist Rhetorical Practices: New
Horizons for Rhetoric, Composition, and Literacy Studies. Southern Illinois
University Press.
Walker, F. R. (2005). The Rhetoric of Mock Trial Debate: Using Logos, Pathos and
Ethos in Undergraduate Competition. College Student Journal, 39(2), 277+.