UNMASKING GENDER BIAS: A CRITICAL QUALITATIVE EXPLORATION OF GENDER DYNAMICS IN MARDI GRAS CELEBRATIONS IN NEW ORLEANS

Through the examination of intricate gender dynamics and potential discrimination within the Mardi Gras festivities of New Orleans, this study investigates the underlying gender biases, focusing on the representation of women and the propagation of heteronormative messaging. Employing a mixed methodology that includes a historical analysis, and Foucauldian discourse analysis (FDA) of prominent Mardi Gras krewes including their coverage in media and social media, this research addresses how gender roles and stereotypes are reflected and reinforced in Mardi Gras.