The social representation of ‘women’ on X platform before and after the launch of Saudi vision 2030

Abstract

This study investigates how Saudi males and females represent “women” on X (formerly Twitter), focusing on two distinct timeframes: 2015 (before Vision 2030) and 2022 (after Vision 2030). By integrating applied Corpus Linguistics (CL) and Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), the research examines a corpus of 10,000 Arabic tweets (equally divided between male and female authors), thereby illuminating how broader social reforms correspond with shifts in online discourse. Specifically, we apply frequency counts, collocation analysis, and semantic prosody techniques in order to compare lexical choice, thematic focus, and evaluative stands in relation to Saudi women during both phases.

The findings reveal a discernible positive shift in attitudes after the official publication of Vision 2030. In 2015, the discourse was more likely to be about “spinsterhood,” boycotts, and guardianship, reflecting predominantly negative or restrictive portrayals of women. By 2022, tweets became more likely to be about empowerment, achievements, and national pride, suggesting changing social attitudes that increasingly legitimize women’s roles in workplaces, education, and public life. Although pockets of negativity persist—particularly in certain domains such as sports—these pockets of resistance are outnumbered by the overall trend towards more inclusive and celebratory discourses.

These results highlight how top-down reforms, such as the lifting of the driving ban and the promotion of women’s employment, have reshaped Saudi women’s discourse. Beyond its sociolinguistic and critical discourse studies contribution, this research highlights the power of large-scale policy changes in achieving shifts in everyday language and attitudes in conservative societies.