The Extent of Gender Stereotypes and Hegemonic Masculinity Within Film Characters

Abstract

Within the film, Legally Blonde, female stereotypes further encourage hegemonic masculinity through the implementation of differing female types and the placement of the men in power positions. The research paper explores specific camera angles and attire worn by the female characters along with the gender's behavior towards the other. The continuos representation of interactional cultural expectations highlights the concept of trading power for patronage between the protagonists of the film. The research also draws connections with the female characters and their categorization of desiring one-dimensional love. Overall, the female chacater's need to attend Harvard Law School with the goal to obtain marriage fuels the dialogue of hypersezualization and hegemonic masculinity in relation to women.