This study uses cultural semiotics to analyze the ideological portrayals of women in Jordanian folk proverbs. Content analysis reveals both positive and negative representations, with negative depictions significantly outweighing positive ones. Negative representations include portrayals of women as feeble, foolish, sources of disgrace, cunning, deceptive, jealous, and defined solely by their reproductive roles. Positive portrayals are largely confined to women fulfilling specific gender roles (mothers, sisters, wives, daughters) characterized by kindness, help, motivation, and comfort. The study highlights how dominant ideologies influence gender relations and the role of proverbs in perpetuating gender roles and shaping social realities.

Nisreen N. Al-Khawaldeh, Alaeddin A. Banikalef, Luqman M. Rababah, Ali F. Khawaldeh