Language, Power, and Play: A Critical Discourse Examination of Judy Blume's Impact on Social Ideologies

Abstract

This study employs Ruth Wodak's Discourse-Historical Approach (DHA) which is a framework in the domain of Critical Discourse Analysis for the investigation of ideologies embedded in Judy Blume's Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. DHA emphasizes the interplay between language, power, and historical context, and provides a comprehensive lens for analyzing how ideologies are constructed, perpetuated, and contested within the narrative. The research aims to elucidate the specific ideologies present in the text and assess their potential impact on shaping societal beliefs and attitudes. The analysis pays particular attention to the role of power relations and historical context in shaping the narrative's ideological underpinnings. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on the role of ideology in children's literature, emphasizing the importance of critical engagement with the messages conveyed in texts intended for young audiences. This study also explores more inclusive and socially conscious literature, highlighting the need for narratives that empower young readers and promote equity and justice through critical analysis of underlying ideologies.