Emasculation, according to Merriam-Webster dictionary, is “the deprivation of a man’s strength, role, and/or masculinity.” Men tend to allow themselves to succumb to emasculation in everyday life by allowing women to simply overpower them. Some women feel that the only way to become successful in life is to overcome the male gender, in general. Men accept that idea and let women do what they choose without any retaliation, or else they may be filled with contrite (1). In the novel entitled One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, by Ken Kessey, the author uses the emasculation of men to develop the story by revealing the characteristics of various female characters and using each of their personality traits to go deeper into the analysis of the novel. Kessey uses the emasculation of men first and primarily with Nurse Ratched.
In the light of Bertens theories about feminism and gender, explore the ways Walker constructs gender roles to show male dominance and female oppression. In Bertens theories it is written that the representation of women in literature was to constitute acceptable versions of females and to legitimate feminine goals and aspirations. The acceptable woman was perceived to be bound to her marriage partner and through him, happiness and fulfillment in life was accomplished. In ‘The Color Purple’ Walker constructs some of the female characters to portray the perceived acceptable version of female behavior however through the epistolary form, the letters are in-depth with feelings and emotions that could question the ‘happiness and fulfillment in life’ that females obtain through marital status. Walker also includes female characters that are deviant to the norms of society and through the deviant behavior constructed in female characters it could be argued that dominance is acquired through behavior rather than biological nature.
The inferiority of women in the fifteenth century is a commonly accepted fact. This inferiority is evident by the literature of this time. Authors such as Machiavelli make obvious the philosophy that men were the dominant sex in the way he lays out his ideas. On the other hand, Thomas More in his book Utopia, makes an exception by viewing women differently. Utopia is a book describing how leaders should go about making their country a perfect one.
8th October 2012 Sociology: exam practise Assess the contribution of feminist theories to our understanding of the family. Feminism is the movement that fights against woman suppression, they believe that the gender inequality is not natural, inevitable or biological but rather it is something that is created by society. Feminists have different theories as to what is the reason behind the treatment of females. Radical feminists say that all societies are founded by patriarchal families and they believe that in this family structure the men benefit from the woman’s domestic and sexual services. It is thought that in a patriarchal society domestic violence against a woman by a man is inevitable as men like to prove their control.
Marriage of Mr. Collins and Charlotte: At first, “marriage for money”- this attitude is presented through Mr. Collins and Charlotte. Both men and women of Austen’s society had internalized the idea that women were financially and socially dependent on men. Women of that time sought men above her station only for financial security. Men also understood it. In this regard Mr. Collins is a true production of this society.
Viewed as an early precursor of feminist thought, some scholars argue that the majority of her Prologue can be seem as anti-feminist rhetoric (Trudeau). As an example, Alisoun first seen as behaving like a man, gaining power over her men by using her body and beauty to get the things she most desired. Alisoun behavior somewhat foreshadows her Tale. Though Alisoun, I agree that she seems to see herself as a feminist, one critic believes that its quite unlikely that any man of that time saw
In the novels, women are treated like second class citizens when compared to men and are expected to be content with this Victorian idea of patriarchal domination. In Jane Eyre, Jane develops throughout the novel moving from Thornfield to Gateshead, to Lowood and to Marsh End. Each location challenges her identity and her integrity as she desperately tries to maintain her dignity with the different conflicts she is confronted with. The three main male characters in the novel are Edward Rochester, Mr.Brocklehurst and St. John Rivers. Each male, in their own way, continuously get in her way of trying to achieve equality by oppressing her into a submissive position.
Assess the fashion industry using the feminist perspective Feminists argue that that in society men oppress women and that women do not have equal rights when compared to men, they argue that the family serves the needs of patriarchy and that we reside in a patriarchal society where males are the dominate sex. Feminists take a critical view on most things in society but a main one being fashion. Feminism itself simplifies down to equality. It is shown to be not about attacking men but improving society and having equal chances between both sexes. It states that many women’s focus is on her wardrobe so they can impress the opposite sex as they feel useless if they fail to impress, they also argue that fashion is a more female dominated area, they show that most of the top fashion designers are male ruled and that Radical Feminists such as Germaine Greer believe that all key societies (including fashion) have been found on patriarchy (ruled by men).
The film accurately depicts the cultural status of that time and the confusion over the roles of men and women. For it’s accuracy, the film is regarded by some to be pro-feminism while anti-feminism by others. It hails to the new feminist ideals of the 1970’s while at the same time showing the dominance of masculinity. There are several feminisms that can be applied to the film. First, of which is considered to fall under the philosophical position of being an “essentialist” form of feminism.
Although critics disagree on how the vastly different gender perceptions within the play are used to portray the theme of women’s power within law and justice, all of their arguments tie back to the fact that the women in the story act as a surrogate for the female society of that time, showing them that they have more power than they realize. Phyllis Mael asserts in "Trifles: The Path to Sisterhood," that the evolution of the women's relationships from acquaintance to co-conspirators illustrates the female psyche. Mael says the she feels the play's "moral dilemma" stresses the inherent differences between male theoretical sense of morality and female sensitive ethical sense which includes "moral problems as problems of responsibility in relationship" (Mael, 282-83). Although the women draw closer to solving the crime as the men, using "abstract rules and rights," make comments that "trivialize the domestic sphere," ethical agreement comes only after Mrs. Peters moves from "acquiescence to patriarchal law" to