Weaponised Misogyny: News Media Representation of the Northern Ireland Conflict (1960-1986)

This thesis presents an empirical study of how gendered rhetoric in print media shaped public perceptions in Northern Ireland circa 1960 to 1986. It examines how portrayals of women were weaponised to reinforce sectarian divides, advance political agendas, and influence public opinion. By analysing media depictions of women who gained public attention through peace activism, paramilitarism, imprisonment, and feminism, this work argues that the media both reflected and reinforced gendered expectations and political narratives. It also assesses how figures such as Reverend Dr Ian Paisley used gendered symbolism to inflame sectarian tensions, while the press simultaneously mirrored and shaped the ideological struggles of the era.

Grounded in a feminist perspective, this research offers broader insights into the role of gendered media portrayals in conflict, illustrating how misogynistic discourse sustains political divisions. By interrogating the intersection of gender, media, and conflict, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the power of rhetoric in shaping both historical and contemporary political landscapes.