Muted Voices and Resilience: Analyzing the Application of Muted Group Theory in Hidden Figures
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This study examines the representation of marginalized voices through the lens of Muted Group Theory in the film Hidden Figures. The background of this research is rooted in the persistent issue of gender and racial inequality, where women particularly African American women experience systemic barriers that limit their ability to express themselves within dominant social structures. The objective of this study is to analyze how the dynamics of silencing and resistance are portrayed through language, interaction, and power relations in the film. This research employed a qualitative approach using critical discourse analysis to examine selected scenes and dialogues. Data were collected from six key scenes involving the main characters, and analyzed by categorizing expressions of dominance into four mechanisms: ridicule, ritual, control, and harassment. The findings reveal that the film vividly illustrates how institutional and structural discrimination contributes to the silencing of marginalized groups. Female characters are often excluded, underestimated, and constrained by dominant male authority. However, the analysis also highlights forms of resistance, where the characters challenge these barriers through persistence, competence, and strategic communication. In conclusion, Hidden Figures effectively demonstrates the mechanisms of Muted Group Theory while emphasizing the resilience of marginalized women. The study underscores the importance of inclusive communication and structural change to amplify underrepresented voices in both historical and contemporary contexts.
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