Social Feminism and Critique of Thatcherism in Caryl Churchill's Top Girls

Abstract

In modern society, despite all the wins, women have often been known to try to bring other women down. One can realize this in children's conversations, in adult stereotypes, in our movies. This in generational loop of conditioning where women who play by the patriarchal and capitalist rules of the society are rewarded more often than those who continuously challenge these social institutions. It is a bargain that a few women have been making with patriarchy to retain power. Looking away from the binaries of good or bad, right-wing feminism harps more on individualistic wins and gains of women. They celebrate women who have broken away from the visible shackles of patriarchy. Although there are far-reaching roots that are not easily visible, that holds them strongly in the foundation of their institutions. A certain whitewash has been done for the eyes to believe that society is progressing. However, the hollowness of this progress keeps making its existence felt. Written and produced during the time Conservative Party Leader, Margaret Thatcher had recently become the first Prime Minister of Britain, this play analyses the role and effects of conditional feminism in the lives of urban women- women holding a certain socio/ economic power. Through certain scenes, conversations, and debates in the play, the idea of individualistic feminism versus the idea of socialist feminism is explored. However, the constant hints of tropes of patriarchy, existing nevertheless has been the emerging highlight of the play. The tone has been set from the first scene where Marlene, a successful and ambitious woman, talks with her 'friends' over food and drinks. They hardly let each other complete their sentences but what comes out through these broken conversations is that despite the rewards, the moral punches of patriarchy have still made them suffer. So, is the bargain really worth it as patriarchy would like us to believe? This paper attempts to explore this area through a deep reading into Caryl Churchill's Top Girls.