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Article published In: Journal of Language Aggression and Conflict
Vol. 13:2 (2025) ► pp.335–379

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‘You are not empowered, you have neither character nor pride’

Assessing aggressive language against Spanish female politicians in high-profile positions

ORCiD logo with link | Universtitat Politècnica de València, Spain
Published online: 13 May 2024
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/jlac.00109.del
Abstract
This paper aims to unveil the most frequent discursive practices of aggressive language addressed at three female Spanish politicians on X (formerly Twitter) and the themes around which these practices revolve. Isabel Díaz-Ayuso, Irene Montero, and Yolanda Díaz were selected for analysis. A mixed-methods analysis of 1,500 randomly retrieved posts was conducted. Aggressive language aimed at delegitimizing the politicians was manually coded based on existing taxonomies. A data-driven taxonomy was obtained with the most frequently involved themes to assess gender-based representations. Quantitative findings pointed to interindividual differences that were qualitatively analyzed. Aggression towards Yolanda Díaz was conveyed through insults and negative comments questioning her intelligence, physical appearance, and political affiliation. Replies to Isabel Díaz-Ayuso questioned the morality of her decisions regarding social issues. At the same time, Irene Montero received more insults and sexist negative comments focusing on her sexuality and subordination to male figures.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Background: Politics and aggression against women politicians on social media
  • 3.Research design
    • 3.1Datasets: Procedure for the selection of the politicians and the Spanish political spectrum
    • 3.2Data analysis procedure
    • 3.3The data-driven taxonomy and themes of aggression
  • 4.Results and discussion
    • 4.1General results of the quantitative analysis
      • 4.1.1A closer look at discursive strategies of aggression per politician
      • 4.1.2A closer look at themes per politician
    • 4.2Results of the qualitative analysis
      • 4.2.1Posts sent to @IreneMontero
      • 4.2.2Posts sent to @IdiazAyuso: ‘And what is your brother’s percentage commission for this collaboration?’
      • 4.2.3Posts sent to @Yolanda_Diaz: What cool things you do!!!’
  • 5.Conclusion
  • Notes
  • References
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