ABSTRACT
The critical discourse analysis of articles authored by men and women in support of Free Love applied standpoint theory to the analysis of gendered differences. It focused on women's and men's locations in the wider social, economic, and political institutions and organizations that influenced their experiences and perspectives. The situated knowledge of women and men was expressed through their techniques of writing, their stance on various issues, and the bases of their positions on the issues. Recognition of their standpoint integrates the social position of each author as women and men, the issues they were writing about, the institutions and organizations that constructed their daily lives, and the laws and policies that restricted and privileged their individual choices. The following research questions guided this research.
Why were women and men involved in the Free Love movement of the mid- to late 1800s?
Are there differences between what men and women saw as important issues relating to Free Love?
Are there differences in the way women and men wrote about Free Love?
Is there agreement or disagreement between female and male authors? If so, what issues did they differ on? What issues did they agree on?
