Critical discourse analysis of sexual violence on social media through the representation of victim blaming and sexist humor

Abstract

This study investigates how sexual harassment and gender-based violence are represented in online comments, particularly focusing on the normalization of victim-blaming and the use of humor as a discursive disguise for harassment. The purpose of the research is to uncover how everyday language in digital spaces contributes to the reproduction or resistance of patriarchal ideologies. Employing a qualitative approach, the analysis applies Fairclough’s three-dimensional Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) model, which consists of textual analysis, discourse practice analysis, and socio-cultural practice analysis. Textual analysis identifies lexical and grammatical choices, such as derogatory expressions and evaluative strategies, that function as victim-blaming devices, alongside counter-discourses of empathy and support. Discourse practice analysis examines how these comments are produced, shared, and interpreted within digital platforms, highlighting the role of humor, irony, and cultural justifications in sustaining gendered norms. Socio-cultural practice analysis situates the findings within broader contexts of patriarchy, digital literacy, and legal enforcement, thereby demonstrating how harassment becomes normalized in online interactions while also exposing the emergence of resistance discourses. The results reveal that although victim-blaming and normalization of harassment remain dominant, there are visible counter-narratives that challenge patriarchal structures and advocate for gender equality.