1. Feminist Literary Theory

2. What is Feminism?
In the simplest terms, feminism is the theory that women and men should be equal politically, economically, and socially.
But are they??

3. Patriarchy
A system (social, political, economic) dominated and controlled by men, modeled after family structures in which the father rules the household.

4. Feminist Issues Feminists commonly campaign on issues such as:
reproductive rights
domestic violence,
maternity leave,
equal pay,
sexual harassment,
sexual assault and
discrimination.

5. Gender vs. Sex Gender indicates socio-cultural designations
Sex indicates biological differences. 

6. Gender as a Social Construction
One element of feminist theory is the idea
that gender is a social construction and has
very little to do with any predetermined
biological state.
Social construction –
Something just “constructed” by society (does not actually exist)

7. Feminist theorists talk about the different “spheres” that men and
women participate in.
Public sphere: traditionally seen as the place where males dominate (politics, business, government, etc.)
Private sphere: traditionally seen as the place where females are placed (in the home, in charge of domestics and caregiving).

8. Division of Labour
“Women are naturally inclined towards housework and not aggressive or ambitious enough for other pursuits”.
Really?

9. A “Good Wife’s Guide”

10. So What is Feminist Literary Theory?
Feminist literary theory is a way to analyze written texts work by keeping in mind how gender influences our understanding of the world. Feminists see both Western & Non-Western societies as being patriarchal (male dominated) thus influencing how our society is organized/run.

11. The Male Word
Until recently literature was almost exclusively works by males focusing on male experiences and tended to stereotype women into traditional gender roles.

12. Misogynistic View of Women
Misogyny is the hatred of
women. According to feminist
theory, misogyny can be
manifested in a number of
ways, including sexual
discrimination, violence
against women and the sexual
objectification of women.

13. Infantilization Infantilization:
The process by which women are stereotyped to appear child-like and innocent, condescended by their male counterparts and reduced to an infantile state or condition.

14. Sisterhood
Sisterhood: The notion that women, who live in a patriarchal society, will form bonds with other women to overcome their oppression. They share a common experience.

15. Questions Feminist Critics Ask about Literature

16. Feminist Questions
How are women’s lives portrayed in the work?

17. Feminist Questions
Do the women in the work accept or reject traditional gender roles or stereotypes?

18. Feminist Questions
Does the work challenge or affirm traditional ideas about women?

19. Feminist Questions
What are the relationships between men and women?

20. Feminist Questions
To what extent are female figures infantilized?

21. Feminist Questions
Does the work reinforce or undermine patriarchal ideology?

22. To what extent is a character’s life option constrained by gender?
Feminist Questions
To what extent is a character’s life option constrained by gender?

23. Feminist Questions
Does the work offer the possibility of a sisterhood as a mode of resisting patriarchy?

24. Questions to Ask/Think About When Analyzing through Feminist Perspective - Summary
1) Does the text question or examine gender bias?
2) What are the gender roles of the men and women in the text? Do the women in the text accept or reject their gender roles?
3) Does the text challenge or affirm traditional ideas about women? To what extent is a character’s life options constrained by gender?
4) Does the work offer the possibility of a sisterhood as a mode of resisting patriarchy?

25. What feminist terms could you use to analyze this ad from a feminist literary perspective?