Author(s)

Xinran Liu ¹

Affiliation(s)

¹ School of Communications & Media, Zhujiang College, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China

Corresponding Author

Xinran Liu

ABSTRACT

This study aims to explore the social identity construction of the marginalized female group known as "Tongqi" (wives of gay men) and their representation in visual media. By employing the "Muted group theory (MGT)," this study encompasses various aspects ranging from social experiences (education, law) to personal journeys (family background, social expectations). It analyzes the invisibility and dispersion of Tongqi in Chinese society, as well as their portrayal in art forms such as films.The study points out that despite the increasing acceptance of sexual minorities, the Tongqi group continues to face severe marginalization and neglect. As a significant narrative tool, films often overlook the complex emotions and social dilemmas of Tongqi, merely depicting them as victims of homosexual marriages or as simple supporting characters.

KEYWORDS

Tongqi, Muted Group Theory, Visual Media, Gender Studies

CITE THIS PAPER

Xinran Liu, The Absence of Tongqi Identity in Societal and Media Discourses. Media and Communication Research (2024) Vol. 5: 199-204. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.23977/mediacr.2024.050229.

REFERENCES

[1] Hongqiao Liu.(2011).The self-help and self-rescue of 16 million "Tongqi". China Development Briefing Website Source: Women's Voice Network, originally published in the revised second issue of "China Fortune" magazine. August 2011 issue. 2011-08-17 [2011-08-27].
[2] Exclusive interview with Li Yinhe: The love and hatred among Tongqi. Qilu Weekly. 2009-06-23
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[10] Sihao Pan. (2023).Research of Homo-Wife' Sociosexual Issues Based on the Dear Ex.B. Majoul et al. (Eds.): ICLAHD 2022, ASSEHR 726, pp. 190–195.
[11] Fabrizio Santoniccolo, Tommaso, T, Maria, N. P, Luca,R.(2023).Gender and Media Representations: A Review of the Literature on Gender Stereotypes, Objectification and Sexualization. Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Via Verdi 10, 10124 Turin, Italy. 
[12] Florentine Bakkenes.(2022).Diversity and representation in TV and movies and why it matters.diggit magazine.
[13] Travis, L.D, Kristopher, R. W, Marisa, A. S.(2019).Media Constructions of Culture, Race, and Ethnicity. In Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Communication. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/ 9780190 228613. 013.502

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