Representation of Women in the Domestic Sphere

Chelsea Khakshouri 

Professor Irme

CTCS 412 Abstract

14 November 2013

Representation of Women in the Domestic Sphere

To what extent has the representation of women in the domestic sphere evolved? How have these representations reflected cultural expectations for women as wife and mother? What do the changes in representation of women in the domestic sphere suggest about the evolving expectations of women as wife and mother versus. 

My essay will begin by analyzing the changes in the representation of women in the domestic sphere from the 60s to now, referencing social and historical moments to explain these changes. I will use this historical and cultural background to set up the rest of the essay. I will discuss both waves of feminism, discussing representation of women in the domestic sphere as they were affected by both waves and the differences between the two.

I will argue that while there has been a change in the expectation of women in the domestic sphere, there continues to be societal pressure to succeed as wife and mother that relate to stereotypes of the female role as “caretaker”. I will analyze the characteristics and actions which constitute a successful mother and wife. I will use examples of film and tv shows with characters who challenge these stereotypes while remaining successful mothers/wife and characters who challenge these stereotypes and fail as mother/wife. I will also look at characters who reproduce these stereotypes and how their roles are interpreted by the viewer. 

Furthermore, I will discuss the idea of “having it all” (a successful career and fulfilling expectations as mother and wife) and will analyze whether representation of this idea suggest it is possible or unattainable. 

I will also look at the relationship between what qualities men find attractive in a women (independence) and what they expect from women (nurturers), comparing this to what men looked for in a wife historically. 

To accomplish all of this, I will establish the relationship between history/culture/society and film/television (how there is an interplay) and will draw on various films and television series as examples such as Sex and the City, The Women and Mildred Pierce. I also hope to find a movie that has been remade in order to make more direct points of contrast.