Portrayal Of Women Research Articles

Sexual objectification versus empowerment: Examining the effects of sexualized women’s facial expression on viewers’ evaluations of social cognition and self-objectification

Objectification scholarship highlights how traditional media portrayals oftentimes direct attention toward women’s bodies and away from their faces which communicate important social information. This study sought to investigate how thin-ideal, white women’s facial expression potentially attenuates the negative effects of appearing in a sexually objectifying manner using validated imagery. In a 2 × 3 between-subjects experiment (N = 1001 U.S. adult women; Mage = 42.56, SDage = 12.72), portraits of women varied in their sexualization (non-sexualized vs. sexualized) and facial expression (neutral expression, low-intensity smiling, high-intensity smiling) to better understand how these factors influence dimensions of social cognition (competence, warmth, authenticity), self-promotional attributions, and viewers’ own self-objectification. Results revealed that viewers rated sexualized (vs. non-sexualized) women lower in competence and authenticity, as well ascribed more self-promotional explanations for their behavior. Moreover, exposure to sexualized women heightened viewers’ self-objectification, regardless of facial expression. Results also indicated that smiling intensity positively influenced viewers’ ratings of social cognition. However, there is little evidence that smiling intensity overrides the negative effects of sexualization. Implications for the sexual objectification of women are discussed.

Midge and Esty: performing extraordinary Jewish womanhood in twenty-first century television

ABSTRACT The two main characters in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017) and Unorthodox (2020), Midge and Esty, traverse, circumvent, and subvert norms of behaviour that their husbands, families, and communities ascribe to them as Jewish women. Both series examine the friction between public and private spheres in considering the role of a married wife and mother, using specifically the lens of performance, either through stand-up comedy or musical performance, to establish Midge and Esty as extraordinary or peculiar. By relying on the excuse of difference, the two shows undercut Midge and Esty’s delineation of their own paths, employing them as examples of noncompliant behaviour. In staging performance as an act of rebellion tied to a woman’s right to self-expression, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Unorthodox contradict their ostensibly progressive embrace of modern, secular Jewish womanhood and ultimately encourage more traditional female roles. Examining these two contemporary series in tandem offers us an opportunity to consider and understand how, as film scholar Nathan Abrams asks regarding the development of news Jews and Jewesses in cinema, new trajectories of character development centred on the portrayal of Jewish women continue to emerge and to be articulated in the twenty-first century.

Women in Post-World War II America: Portrayals, Stereotypes, and Challenges

This essay examines the portrayal of women in post-World War II America, focusing on the perpetuation of gender stereotypes and challenges faced by women in the era. Through historical and visual analysis of primary sources, namely a Coca-Cola poster and the iconic V-J Day in Times Square photograph, the study reveals the complexities underlying societal attitudes towards women during this transformative period. The Coca-Cola poster exemplifies the idealized image of women as submissive caregivers, despite their growing role in the workforce. Similarly, the analysis of the V-J Day photograph unveils the contrast between the perceived romance and the reality of non-consensual interaction, shedding light on the evolving understanding of consent and the limitations of prevailing gender norms. By juxtaposing historical context and visual representation, this research underscores the nuanced interplay between media imagery and the evolving societal roles of women in post-war America. The study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges and representations women faced in shaping the post-war landscape.

The Travelling Folktales of the Basil Girl’s Wiles

This article sheds light on the translation, evolution, transformation, and circulation of "The Merchant's Daughter," a highly significant piece of Moroccan folklore, tracing its journey within Morocco and globally. Central to our analysis is the tale's origins, which, as theorized by Hasna Lebbady, trace back to Andalus and were carried across the world by Muslims exiled from Spain. This journey encompasses varied landscapes and geographies, across three continents, North Africa, Europe, and South America, illustrating the tale's adaptability and enduring relevance. A focal point of exploration is the tale's nuanced portrayal of women's wit as a tool to navigate and subvert the constraints of patriarchy and authoritarian power structures within their societies. By compiling and comparing variations of the tale from different regions, this study demonstrates the diverse ways in which the narrative has been refashioned to reflect local cultures, societal norms, and resistance strategies. Through the lens of "The Merchant's Daughter," we contend that cultures are not monolithic entities bred in isolation but are instead the result of centuries-long encounters and exchanges. By engaging with this folktale's transnational circulation and thematic richness, our study contributes to a broader understanding of how folktales cross borders, circulate, and adapt as well as the dynamic processes of cultural transmission and adaptation. It underscores the role of storytelling in preserving cultural identity, fostering resilience, and navigating the complexities of global and local intersections.

On the basis of sex: a liberal feminist analysis of women’s struggle for education

This study delves into the portrayal of women's struggles for education as depicted in the Hollywood film “On the Basis of Sex.” It seeks to address the pervasive influence of patriarchal dominance that impedes women's educational rights. The narrative is primarily framed around the life experiences of the film's central figure, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who contends with male counterparts in her quest for admission to prestigious law school programs in the United States. Simultaneously, feminists advocate for education as a cornerstone for women's empowerment and gender equality. It empowers women to become agents of change, thereby emphasising their equal rights to shape a better world. The research adopts a qualitative approach, collecting both primary and secondary data, and employs liberal feminist critical theory for data analysis. Key findings reveal the disadvantaged state of American women in the late 1950s, marked by limited educational access. Despite these obstacles, women, exemplified by Ginsburg, displayed unwavering determination and unity in their pursuit of improved educational opportunities, subsequently expanding their presence in the legal profession and public employment. Ginsburg’s remarkable journey serves as an enduring symbol of resilience and inspiration for others, reaffirming the notion that education is a universal right transcending gender barrier.

Challenging Stereotypes: Examining Arab Womanhood in “The Negotiator”

This article presents a participant-based film analysis of Brad Anderson’s The Negotiator (2018), a Netflix production. The objective of this study is to examine the prevalent portrayal of Arabs and Muslims as the primary antagonists in American (neo-Orientalist) cinema. By analyzing the development of Arab characters, the article delves into the construction of villainy and its function in juxtaposition to heroism within the film’s narrative. A particular focus is given to the marginalization of Arab women, who are deprived of agency and the opportunity to express themselves. To address this issue, the study includes perspectives from Arab female participants, allowing them to articulate their perceptions and connections to both the Arab and American characters in the film. The research explores the common depiction of Arab or Muslim women as inactive extras or silenced secondary characters in post-9/11 American films. Through this investigation, the article aims to shed light on the representation and portrayal of Arab and Muslim women in contemporary American cinema.

Women, Markers, and Representation in Early Telugu Cinema

The early Telugu cinema echoed the contemporary concerns and movements in the country. Most films made in Telugu in the first two decades, the 1930s and 1940s, were mythologies, historicals and devotionals. However, regardless of genre, most movies focus on the woman question. Many had women at the centre, while many movies had titles after women characters. This paper focuses on select Telugu movies from the early decades to argue that the films might have focused on the woman question and might have argued for the reform of the condition of women. Still, they remained orthodox and sometimes regressive in their idea of womanhood. Markers of a married woman whose husband is alive become more valuable than women. A respected and celebrated womanhood is almost reduced to the markers she carries. This new woman combines tradition and modernity, influenced by the reform movement but strongly pulled by tradition to evolve into a better wife. The present paper proposes to examine the portrayal of a new family woman by the Telugu Cinema of the 1930s, reiterating the traditional markers with additional interpretations. It employs feminist historiography to understand the significance of the portrayal of new women in early Telugu cinema.

Otherness and cultural conceptualisations of Gender and Social Class in Nigerian English

AbstractStudies of varieties of English have focused on cultural conceptualisations in different varieties, showing how these are deeply rooted in culture. Likewise, several other studies have reported discourses of otherness. This study is an exploration of the intersection of these two concepts – otherness and conceptualisations. Using data from Nigerian English, the study demonstrates how othering and categorisations could derive from cultural conceptualisations of Gender and Social Class. The study discusses selected Nigerian English expressions from the data and offers explanations on how their construction and usage for otherness can be said to derive from cultural conceptualisations. The findings reveal an antipodal portrayal of women as agents with capacity to control men, deprive other women of their husbands, nurture and provide for the society. Cultural conceptualisations of social class based on possessions, diet, experience, locations and how these variables serve as the bases for otherness are equally discussed.

Women in Shakespeare's Tragedies and Comedies

William Shakespeare's plays are renowned for their portrayal of complex and compelling female characters. In both his tragedies and comedies, Shakespeare challenges traditional gender roles and stereotypes, presenting women who are intelligent, independent, and assertive. This study examines the roles of women in Shakespeare's tragedies and comedies, focusing on the plays "Macbeth," "Hamlet," "Othello," "Twelfth Night," "Much Ado About Nothing," and "A Midsummer Night's Dream." The objective of this study is to analyze the portrayal of women in Shakespeare's tragedies and comedies, exploring how their characters challenge traditional gender roles and stereotypes. The study utilizes a qualitative approach, analyzing the text of the plays to identify key themes and character traits associated with the female characters. The analysis includes a comparison of the portrayal of women in the tragedies and comedies, highlighting differences and similarities in their roles and behaviors. The analysis reveals that women in Shakespeare's tragedies are often portrayed as victims of male ambition and jealousy, while women in his comedies are depicted as witty, intelligent, and independent. Overall, Shakespeare's female characters challenge traditional gender roles and stereotypes, presenting a more nuanced and empowering view of women. Women play crucial roles in Shakespeare's tragedies and comedies, challenging traditional gender roles and stereotypes. The study highlights the importance of considering the context of Shakespeare's time when analyzing his portrayal of women, as well as the enduring relevance of his female characters in modern society.

Gender (im)balance in the Russian cinema: on the screen and behind the camera

The relationship between on-screen and off-screen inequality in film industries and the relative impact of these on movie attendance is widely discussed but not necessarily empirically demonstrated. This article examines the binary gender composition of film project teams and the gendered representation of film characters as factors for cinema attendance. We collected a unique dataset (N=1285) of all films released during the pre-pandemic decade (2008-2019) in Russia – at that time the largest European cinema market. A marked-up subset of 243 films was used to calculate a novel version of the Bechdel-Wallace test that accounts for the proportion of all non-stereotypical dialogues in the film narration, as opposed to the classical binary test. Our test proves very informative, revealing a strikingly high proportion of dialogues with stereotypical portrayals of women even among the films that pass the Bechdel-Wallace binary threshold. We also undertook a social network analysis (SNA) of the characters’ communications. This analysis demonstrate that women predominantly occupy a peripheral position in film plots. Both stereotyping and marginalization of women are positively related to the proportion of men in the film crew, especially in the role of screenwriter. Simultaneously, having more men in key positions is also correlated with access to larger budgets and better distribution, thus effectively impeding films with stronger women characters from wider audiences. These audiences, however, show no prejudice towards films with such characters: after 2015, films featuring central women protagonists have the same level of attendance as movies without them. Although Russia exemplifies a large non-Western cinema market, the trends we identify, particularly the “gatekeeping” effect of male filmmakers, is notably in line with those observed in Western democracies.

Women's Identity Construction and Identity from the Perspective of Gender Theory: Examination of Gender Discourse based on the Film Barbie

The Barbie film directed by Greta Govig became a new milestone in feminist cinema when it set a box office record in 2023. The film not only presents the portrayal of women in a patriarchal society, but also critiques gender stereotypes with humour, triggering a global feminist discussion. This paper focuses on the construction of women's identity and the representation of women's identity in the film Barbie from the perspective of gender theory and in four parts. The first part is the introductory section, mainly covering the research background and significance of this paper; The second part explores the female identity construction of Barbie from the aspects of appearance and social image; The third part explores the female identity of Barbie from the perspectives of male and female; The fourth part mainly combines and summarizes the previous content, and at the same time, combines social scholars' and film critics' interpretations of the film to deepen readers' understanding of the modern portrayal of women on screen.

A decolonial feminist inquiry into women’s agency in the urban landscape in 19th-century Iran

ABSTRACT Proposing a socio-historical and decolonial analytical lens, I challenge the current dominant discourses surrounding Iranian women’s agency in emerging public spaces in the late 19th century. I scrutinise the urban landscape in late 19th-century Iran, drawing from a variety of archival data, such as first-hand memoirs, travelogues, and official reports, to situate Iranian women in a broader sociohistorical context and present a nuanced understanding of their presence in emerging public spaces. To do so, I compare texts written by the non-locals with those written by local observers with a specific focus on their characterisation of women and their presence and agency in the newly emerging public spaces during this time. Having used grounded theory methods to carry out the initial examining and coding of the data, I investigate the degree to which the images portrayed by the local and non-local texts take into account the material circumstances of women. I deconstruct the dominant knowledge about Iranian women’s portrayal and reconstruct a layered sociohistorical interpretation of the findings, thereby proposing an alternative decolonial narrative of women’s agency in public spaces in 19th-century Iran. I contend that the prevalent historical portrayal of women’s agency, particularly in public spaces, is markedly shaped by one of the narratives of the late 19th century, i.e. that of the non-local Western observers. Building on a comparative analysis, I argue that to produce alternative decolonial place-based feminist knowledge, it is imperative to re-engage with domestic texts. By revisiting these sources, feminist scholars can question and deconstruct the dominant knowledge on women’s presence in urban landscapes and reconstruct a more accurate and diversified feminist narrative that acknowledges women’s dynamic interplay with the local and global forces which in itself is a decolonial feminist practice.

To fight, to confront, and to resist: exploring the representation of Chinese Zhangjie in sister

ABSTRACT Numerous studies have explored the multifaceted portrayal of Chinese women, yet limited attention has been given to older sisters, specifically “zhangjie (长姐),” both in social and academic contexts. This study employs intersectionality as a theoretical framework within which a three-dimensional model of critical discourse analysis (CDA) is used to decode the representation of zhangjie identity in the recent Chinese blockbuster Sister. By closely examining both verbal and nonverbal elements, the study aims to elucidate the triple set of jeopardy that zhangjie encounter, as well as their resistance to three layers of deprivileged identities (in relation to gender, class and social infrastructures) in contemporary China. Furthermore, we argue that centralising the intersectional predicaments of Chinese older sisters highlights critical questions about the effectiveness of neoliberalism in the face of structural oppressions.

How textbook images frame the gender roles of women in science and elsewhere: a content analysis of elementary school science textbooks

ABSTRACT Based on the concepts of gender framing and gender categorisation, this content analysis evaluates the images of adults (N = 1655) and the portrayal of women from the 6 series of science textbooks authorised by the Japanese Ministry of Education for use in elementary school science classes in the 2022 academic year. The images were counted and coded according to the activities the participants were engaged in. Data were then analysed according to three potential patterns for transmission of gender roles – invisibility, low stature, and domesticity. The content analysis showed differences between the 6 series in terms of their portrayal of women and of female scientists, however, across all series, there were fewer women portrayed than men, fewer female scientists than male, and fewer women were presented as important ‘people to study’. Women were less likely to be shown in high-status decision-making roles, as demonstrating ‘brilliance’, or as being rewarded or recognised for their scientific achievements. They were, however, more likely than men to be depicted in images connected to themes of domesticity than as scientists or in other professional situations. Domestic themes such as childcare could still be seen in images of female scientists or women at work.

A Study of Feminine Identity Crisis in Anita Desai’s Fictional Work

This research delves into Anita Desai's literary exploration of the feminine identity crisis, examining how her novels depict women's battles against societal and familial restrictions. Through an intersectional feminist perspective, Desai's works, including Fire on the Mountain, Cry the Peacock, and Voices in the City, are analyzed to reveal the enduring perception of women's inferiority and their roles as sacrificial figures within the family structure. Employing a descriptive methodology and drawing from primary sources and socio-psychological frameworks, this study interprets Desai's portrayal of women's struggles for autonomy amidst societal pressures. Through thematic exploration and character analysis, it uncovers the nuances of female experiences, their quest for identity, and the entrenched influence of patriarchal norms. Ultimately, the research illuminates Desai's depiction of women's resilience and their journey toward emancipation in the face of systemic oppression.

The Role of Online Comedy Skits in the Sexual Objectification of Women in Nigeria

Recently, online comedy skit creators have become celebrities and influencers in Nigeria, amassing millions of followers on various social media platforms. The influence of these influencers on their followers and society can be harmful when negative messages like sexual objectification of women are propagated. Using a mixed methods approach, this study examines the role that comedy skits play in the promotion of female sexual objectification in Nigeria. The study examines YouTube video content from six (6) major comedy skits makers. The results indicate that all six (6) of the major online skit comedy makers analysed in the study use various elements of sexual objectification such as sexual language, sex appeal, male gaze, and sexualization in their YouTube videos. This finding has implications for women and girls in Nigeria as well as the world since media’s portrayal of women as sexual objects have been linked to global violence against women and girls.

AN ANALYSIS OF FEMINIST CRITICISM AND DESCRIPTION OF THE PORTRAYAL OF WOMEN IN THE MULTI-LEVEL AND TRADITIONAL SOCIETY IN THE SELECTED WORK A ROSE FOR EMILY BY WILLIAM FAULKNER

This paper delves into the realm of feminist criticism and explores the portrayal of women in traditional society through a close examination of William Faulkner's renowned short story, "A Rose for Emily." The study aims to shed light on the patriarchal constructs that shaped women's roles and identities during the time the story was set. Drawing upon feminist literary theory, the research analyzes the ways in which Faulkner depicts the female character in "A Rose for Emily." Emily's life becomes a symbol of the oppression and control exerted on women in the patriarchal society depicted in the story. Using textual evidence and critical analysis, the paper explores the themes of oppression, control, and the limited agency granted to women in the traditional Southern society. Furthermore, the research examines the impact of societal norms on the character's choices, relationships, and sense of self. Through a comprehensive examination of the selected work, this research aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on feminist criticism and the portrayal of women in traditional societies. By delving into the complexities of gender dynamics and societal expectations, it seeks to foster a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by women in patriarchal societies and the ways in which literature reflects and perpetuates these structures.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0787/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

From Gaze to Rebel: A Study of Female Figures in Art History

This paper discusses the evolution of women's portrayal in art, from objectified figures in early history to empowered subjects in modern times. Initially, women were depicted through the male gaze, embodying idealized beauty or fulfilling societal roles. During the Renaissance, this trend continued with artists like Raffaello Santi, who focused on physical beauty but often overlooked real-life women's experiences. The paper then highlights a shift to representing everyday women, as seen in works like Jean Franois Millet's "The Gleaners," yet these portrayals still echoed traditional gender norms. The narrative progresses with the emergence of female artists challenging these conventional depictions. Figures like Kathe Kollwitz and Sylvia Sleigh reversed the male gaze, empowering women as active subjects in art. The paper concludes by emphasizing the transformation in art from objectifying women to portraying them as autonomous and influential, mirroring societal shifts in gender roles and perceptions.

Are women entrepreneurs more androgynous than men entrepreneurs? A comparative content analysis of language used by Shark Tank India Judges

ABSTRACT Despite a significant increase in the number of women entrepreneurs in India, it remains a gendered profession. In this study, we aim to re-examine gender dynamics in entrepreneurship by using language as an interpretative tool to assess entrepreneurs’ psychological characteristics – motives, values, and linguistic styles. There has been a lack of academic research that focuses on successful women entrepreneurs. To address this, we specifically focused on seven entrepreneurs, who appeared as judges on Shark Tank India, Season One. Using computer-aided text analysis (LIWC software), we content-analysed 571 Tweets, 328 LinkedIn posts, and 13 media interaction videos (total 436:38 minutes), resulting in 912 individual observations. Results showed evidence of gender maturity in entrepreneurship, suggesting that women entrepreneurs had androgynous stable dispositions of both masculine and feminine characteristics. However, analysis of the media interactions showed that women entrepreneurs are significantly higher on affiliation motive as compared to their counterparts. This paradoxical situation validates the socio-cultural embeddedness where the perceptive portrayal of Indian women entrepreneurs as communal continues to be rooted in deep gender-bias. Interestingly, in terms of language usage, we found that women employed more masculine language than men, facilitating their entry and acceptance in a male-dominated profession.

Highlighting the Aspects of Women Emancipation and Liberation in Ibsen’s The Dolls House and Hedda Gabler: A Comparative Feministic Approach

This research paper aims to investigate the aspects of women liberation and emancipation in Ibsen’s The Dolls House and Hedda Gabler. The Dolls House largely addresses a woman's yearning to forge her individuality and dignity in a world run by men. Review section illustrates the critical comments and reviews of notable literary authors and critics. Feministic and especially a radical feministic approach in The Dolls House and Hedda Gabler by Ibsen illustrates three goals in mind; Nora’s patriarchal struggles with the patriarchal world. To examine the types of conflict Hedda Gabler engaged in when battling over patriarchal worldview and to examine the types of challenges Hedda Gabler had in her battle with the ideology. However, the study uses content analysis to conduct a qualitative investigation with the help of textual references. Finally, the research concludes that Ibsen's unorthodox portrayal of women in one of his most notable social tragedies; The Dolls House & Gabler.