Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-1-2017

Journal / Book Title

Journal of Linguistic Anthropology

Abstract

This article analyzes conversational and material data collected during 12 months of fieldwork at a secondary school in southeast Spain. I focus on the cultivation of stance positions—particularly around gender equality—involving “shadow subjects”: imagined discursive figures that both prompt and constrain empathy for others whose rights have been violated. Within this multicultural context, Moroccan immigrant youth get positioned as defenders of outdated patriarchal mores. I argue that the semiotic burdening and elaboration of stance on behalf of shadow subjects makes this possible and points to inherent biases in operationalizing “universal” egalitarian values among ideologically and experientially diverse communities.

DOI

10.1111/jola.12157

Published Citation

Taha, M. C. (2017). Shadow subjects: A category of analysis for empathic stancetaking. Journal of Linguistic Anthropology, 27(2), 190-209.

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