När relation blir diskussion : En kritisk diskursanalys av samtalen om 13:e säsongen av Gift vid första ögonkastet

Sammanfattning

This thesis examines how representations of romantic relationships are constructed and negotiated within a digital audience context. The study is based on an analysis of comments posted in a Facebook group dedicated to the Swedish version of Married at first sight. It aims to deepen the understanding of how members of the Facebook group “GVFÖ-gruppen” construct norms in relation to the show's 13th season. Using a qualitative research design, the study applies Critical discourse analysis (CDA) grounded in Fairclough's three-dimensional model. The comments are analyzed on the textual level, as discursive practice and as social practice. The theoretical framework combines Foucault's concept of normalization, Giddens’ theory of “the pure relationship” and Hirdman's account of the gender system. The empirical material consists of over 600 comments, totaling approximately 33 000 words. The analysis identifies three prominent themes: the normalization of pop psychology, relationship readiness and expectations related to gender and attraction. The results show that group members frequently employ a psychological terminology, including expressions such as “dismissive avoidant” and “relationship trauma”, to categorize and explain the participants’ behaviors. An expectation that participants must be “ready” for a relationship is repeatedly articulated in the discussion. Readiness is constructed as a fundamental requirement for a relationship to develop between two individuals. Gendered understanding of masculinity and femininity play a significant role in evaluations of attraction and relationship success. Through various linguistic strategic group members often present subjective and speculative interpretations as objective truths. The study concludes that the Facebook group “GVFÖ-gruppen” functions as a social practice in which contemporary norms concerning psychological discourse, readiness for love, and gender roles are simultaneously reproduced, negotiated and challenged.