A study of Socie(v through Language
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What is a society?
Define'conformity'
What is a Patriarchal sociefy? How does 'The Removalist'reflect notions of a Patriarchal
society of 1970s?
Discuss the statement 'conforming to society'. How and why do we conform to society?
Williamson expresses his view of theAustralian society of the 70s. What does his play tell us
about this societies attifude to:
1. Molence - acceptable
2. Attitudes to Women
3. Male masculiniry virility and mateship
4. Police comrption
5. Upper and lower classes - 'status-quo'
6. Power and dominance - authorify
Choose 5 key quotes from the dialogue in the play that reflects Williamson's view on each of
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these issues
Language Techniques
Verbal Lansuage Meaning created through dialogue (what we hear)
r Find 3 examples for each of the following language techniques and explain how they reflect
the attitudes ofthe society
Level oflanguage:
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- the appropriateness of la:T guage used in different situations (influences diction) In
the play there is upper class and working class Register
Register
Formal:sophistication
Informal: Colloquial, jargon, Aussie slang
Register in/luences:
2. Diction (choice of words)
- Expletives (colourful language)
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Vulgarities
3. Tone (neg. and pos.)
- Aggressive
- Commanding
- Pleading
- Bullying
- Flirtatious etc.... add any others you can identify
4.
Emotive Language
5.
Idioms
6.
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Figures ofspeech:
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connotations
- expressions may be used literally or figuratively. Often specific to a certain culture
and only understood in that context. In this way it tells us a lot about the attitudes in society.
Sarcasm
Irony
Hlperbole
Innuendo
Modalitv (certainty)
High Modality
Low Modalify
Non-Verbal Language
- Meaning created through physical
Find examples of when the stage directions reflect different attitudes of characters towards the
ideas in society presented on women, masculinity, power, status, masculinity.
Masculinity
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Masculinity is a study into a representation. lt is a'relational concept'understood only in relation to
femininity. We understand it in terms of associations that society has attached to the concept.
Masculinity has meaning in relation to femininity as being 'opposite'. Its image relies on the social
stnlctures of a society - men are physically strong, aggressive and competitive, women nurture,
physically weaker, passive, dependent.
In society there once a man is labelled a 'girl'or 'sissy'for failing to establish his manhood, he will
loose his masculine integrity entirely.
Patriarchal Society
- gives man power
over as woman, however it also makes them dependent on
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woman indirectly and covertly for the validation of their manhood. Paradoxically their power over
woman also makes them lrrlnerabie to women.
What is your image oJ masculini\,? What do you consider to be ttn-masculine in o maleT Whv? Do you think your
opinion has been influenced by the societlt 1;otr have grown up in?
The Ocker Male:
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Early 1970s, the Australian male moved towards the ocker.
'Ocker'no longer romanticised the bush but looked for Australianness on the Beach and in the
suburbs. . ..ocker was profoundly misogynist. Women
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doomats.
- or 'sheilas'
had two roles: sexpots and
In 1975 historian Miriam Dixson described Australian women as 'the doormats of the Western world'.
Women's undelwear changed from concealing to enhancing sexual attributes, giving women sexual
freedom and power. ln The Removallsls Kate uses her sexuality to gain power.
Masculinity in Australian Society
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Early in 20* century the white male (dominant race in Austraiian society) grew up with beliefs of a
patriarchal society with it's definitions of masculinity. Get a job, marry, have a family. Family roles
were clearly defined: Wit'e's to look after childten and house duties. Man was to eam money and head
of family. He was to be respected and looked up to.
Today these roles have changed
For many men the patriarchal view of men's roles hasn't changed. Men are generally in charge and their
expectations are to be the bread winner, marry, have family and be macho. The beliefs of the patriarchal
society still linger as society's view of masculinity, what it is to be a 'real'man.
Men are not conditioned to deal with changes in this idea oftheir roles, because they are educated to
believe the white patriarchal view - 'Don't cry don't express yourself, don't ask for help, soldier on, be
aggressive, take risks'.
Men react to change using violence - they have not leamt that emotions can be expressed in other ways.
Confusion causes the man to become frustrated and 'explode'. When you see a woman upset she'll cry
about it, a man will throw punches.
How do the male choracters in 'The Removalists'deal with changes ond what they don't understand? Explain
**ith reference to the dialogue and actions of the chorocters.
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Masculinity and violence in sport
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Dominant or hegemonic masculinities share the elements of strength, rationality and supremacy over
sets up the pattern ofdominance and subordination across and between the sexes that is
inferiors. This
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patriarchy.
Sport, work, alcohol and power over women are important signifiers of dominant masculinity. With
violence as clearly associated with masculinity.
Sports provide ritual support for male dominance through linking maleness with the positively
sanctioneduse ofaggression, force and violence. This perpetuates an ideology dominance based on the
representation of males' superior to females - this is one of the main reasons why pafriarchal views are
sustained.
Domestic Violence
r Occurs when a family member attempts to physically or psychologically dominate or harm the other.
Physical violence, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, intimidation, economic deprivation or threats of
violence.
Discuss the domestic violence erposed
this? Exnlain
in
'The Removalists' whot is the general vie--
from the male characters on
Police
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Violence
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The focus of police activity was mainly upon under privileged members of society the view was that
this was where violence and crime was most likely to be committed. It was the control of the lower class
by the middle class for the benefit of the upper class.
Explain the police violence and corruption explored in 'The Removallsts'