International Journal of Language and Literature
Vol. 9 No. 2 (2025): May

An Analysis of Gender Inequality Bias in the Lyrics of Songs Composed by Denny Cak Nan

Dwi Nur Cahyani Sri Kusumaningtyas (Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia)
Danang Wijoyanto (Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia)
Yogi Bagus Adhimas (Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia)
Arif Hidajad (Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia)
Ajeng Dianing Kartika (Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
25 May 2025

Abstract

This study departs from the phenomenon of the widespread popularity of Javanese pop songs by Denny Cak Nan, which are widely consumed by the public yet contain problematic gender representations. The lyrics of selected songs, namely Los Dol, Satru, and Sugeng Dalu, frequently depict men as victims and women as sources of conflict, thereby reinforcing patriarchal perspectives within romantic relationships. The primary objective of this research is to reveal the embedded gender inequality and to demonstrate how popular media contributes to the normalization of gender stereotypes. This study employs a qualitative method with a feminist literary criticism approach. The research subjects consist of three selected songs by Denny Cak Nan, with data collected through documentation of the song lyrics. Validation was carried out through expert triangulation involving literary practitioners, academics, and researchers, while the instruments of analysis included the examination of diction, imagery, and narrative structure. The data were analyzed using critical discourse analysis to uncover the underlying gender ideology. The findings reveal a pattern of emotional manipulation, in which male characters are portrayed as deserving sympathy due to their suffering, while the roles and agency of women are marginalized. This research concludes that these lyrics function not merely as entertainment but also as a medium of ideological reproduction that shapes public perceptions of romantic relationships. The implications highlight the urgency of media literacy and gender awareness education to foster a more critical response to ideological messages conveyed through popular cultural products.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

IJLL

Publisher

Subject

Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

International Journal of Language and Literature is an international publication of the latest development in language and literature analysis. The aim of IJLL is to provide easy access for international audiences of language and literature researchers. Papers in the field are reviewed and surveyed ...