Global Journal of Human Social Science, C: Sociology and Culture, Volume 23 Issue 3

Gender Representation in Female Superhero Movies Yousuf Hasan Parvez Abstract- The superhero film is one of the most popular movie genres in the entertainment world. Viewers have enthusiasm about the portrayal of key male and female characters. The way costumes, appearances, narrative, gestures, and languages are presented is also a matter of eagerness for spectaculars. The study has looked at how gender is represented in female superhero movies. It has been analyzed whether the female protagonist in these movies is portrayed according to the traditional gender roles. If any male gaze perspective or female gaze perspective has been found then it has been interpreted. Movies like Black Widow, Birds of Prey, and The Suicide Squad have been selected through the purposive sampling technique. The study is conducted with the help of representation theory and feminist film theory. Content analysis and discourse analysis are used as research methodology. The study has found that the female protagonist has come out of the traditional gender role in the movie Black Widow and Birds of Prey. The male gaze perspective is almost absent in these movies except in The Suicide Squad. However, the main female character, Harley Quinn could not get out of the traditional gender role in the movie Suicide Squad. Keywords: representation, superhero films, male gaze, female gaze, gender role. I. I ntroduction he indomitable interest of movie lovers, especially in superhero movies, is increasing day by day. The younger generation is more interested in those movies where their favorite male and female superheroes are performing and how they are represented. (The Learning Network, 2019) A superhero is a special character that possesses abilities and skills beyond those of ordinary people, who typically use his or her powers to help. These films usually include aspects of action, adventure, fantasy, and science fiction. ( Research Guides: Film Genres: Superhero Films , n.d.). This Character stimulates people to fight for their rights and the sovereignty of their nations. He or she can be represented as brave, bold, fearless, courageous, and sometimes as a role model for the younger generation. (Superheroes as Role Models, 2020) Representation is about the way that things are constructed in the media. We're talking about everything we see no matter what they let you look at no matter what genre it is no matter what format it is. One of the most obvious forms of representation in the media today is the representation of gender. The ideology of gender stereotypes or the idea behind the construction of representation is largely down to the patriarchy at the time when media was starting to become popular. So, things were largely run by men which meant that they wanted to represent men in a strong powerful way, and the representation of women also followed that idea. (Media: Deconstructed, 2017) In media studies, representation refers to how different components of society are presented to viewers, such as gender, age, and ethnicity. The way gender, age, ethnicity, national and regional identity, social issues, and current events are handled and presented in media texts is known as representation. The power of media texts to influence how an audience learns and comprehends these fundamental concepts is enormous Because of this, they have great influence over people's thoughts and attitudes. ( What Is Representation? - GCSE Media Studies Revision , n.d.) The male gaze is a technique of depicting and viewing women that empowers males while sexualizing and demeaning women. The male gaze discourages female empowerment. ( What Is the Male Gaze?, 2021). A woman is visually positioned as an object of heterosexual male desire in the male gaze. Her own sexual desires, feelings, and thoughts are less essential than being framed by masculine desire. (Loreck, 2016) The female gaze perspective does not represent women through male eyes. An attempt is made to see through the eyes of women. Through the eyes of women, they are seen as people with feelings and intelligence. When the female desire is shown and represented through the female gaze, the characters are not objectified. the female gaze is a new perspective. this concept is still being explored. (Ayala, 2022) In society, there are gender roles that determine how we should act, speak, dress, groom, and behave based on our sex. For instance, it is expected of girls and women to behave politely, be courteous, and wear traditionally feminine clothing. Men are often perceived as being powerful, aggressive, and brave. Every civilization, ethnic group, and culture has gender role expectations, yet these expectations might differ considerably from one group to the next. Men are typically thought to be strong, aggressive, and courageous. Every civilization, ethnic group, and culture has gender role expectations; however, these might differ considerably from one group to the next. ( Gender Identity & Roles , n.d.) T © 2023 Global Journals Volume XXIII Issue III Version I 29 ( ) Global Journal of Human Social Science - Year 2023 C Author: e-mail: yousufparvez14@gmail.com