“Decoding the Seduction Process”: (Dis)courses by Pick up Artists on Youtube
Abstract
Within the diversity of manifestations of online misogyny that constitute the manosphere, the collective of seduction gurus stands out for the dissemination of seduction techniques aimed at getting men to date and have sex with women. This research analyzes the discourses of ten gurus (five women and five men) on YouTube, paying attention to: gender prescriptions, rhetorical figures used, the sexual scripts they preach and the strategies of discursive authority; with special focus on the differences according to the gender of the guru. The results point to a binary, essentialist and traditional vision of gender, which promotes specific behaviors in men to enhance their relationships with women. As for the differences between male and female gurus, male gurus construct their authority by showing themselves as experts in the field, while the female gurus base it on their gender experience, presenting themselves as spokespersons for their gender.
Keywords
Pick Up Artists, Manosphere, Gender stereotypes, Qualitative analysisReferences
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