A atuação do jornalismo na normalização de uma masculinidade nociva: um estudo sobre o framing dado ao gênero durante o governo Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2022).

Abstract

This research analyzes how traditional Brazilian journalism, represented by the digital platforms of G1, Folha de S. Paulo, and Estadão, addressed the discourses and communication processes related to the study of masculinities during the presidency of Jair Messias Bolsonaro (2019-2022). Bolsonaro, as president, adopted a masculine performance based on aggressiveness, misogyny, and the defense of a limiting hegemonic masculinity. The analysis stems from a feminist conceptualization of gender as a social construct and a view of masculinities as a constant power struggle, where virility and valor are central elements. The guiding thread of this investigation is the ability – or willingness – of traditional journalism to adopt a critical stance towards a masculinist, homophobic, and misogynistic presidential discourse, while attempting to uphold the principles of objectivity and neutrality. In this process, publications that reflect on the clash between the then-president and the media are also analyzed, in a context marked by the demand to maintain credibility that was under attack for four years. Thus, a process of normalization of hegemonic masculinity elements in the figure of Bolsonaro was identified. His problematic statements, although they received significant coverage and were frequently quoted directly, were not systematically criticized. This analysis observed a hardening of Bolsonaro's aggressive stance throughout his term, reflected in the increase in attacks on the press and in the frequency of statements about his virility in 2022, in contrast to a 'softer' approach in 2019. Therefore, this research observes that traditional journalism, while giving broad visibility to Bolsonaro's statements, contributed to the normalization of his hegemonic masculinity performance, with journalistic criticism prioritizing institutional defense over a systematic deconstruction of the gender issues present in the presidential discourse.