Gender Theory and Social Constructs

The male gaze in film refers to the dominant perspective that positions men as viewers and women as objects of their gaze, controlling the narrative and shaping the visual experience.

A term coined by Laura Mulvey, it explains how traditional cinema reinforces patriarchal power structures by aligning the camera's gaze, the male protagonist's perspective, and the audience's viewpoint.

In film theory, this describes the spectator's complicity in the male gaze, experiencing both pleasure and unease from the voyeuristic and controlling elements of the cinematic experience.

A dominant cinematic convention where the camera, the narrative, and the audience's gaze are aligned, reinforcing a male-centric perspective on filmmaking.

This refers to genres that prioritize the physical body and its reactions, exploring themes of gender, sexuality, and emotion through heightened sensory experiences.

Linda Williams' argument that genres like pornography, horror, and melodrama, often dismissed as sensationalist, are actually deeply significant for exploring cultural anxieties and fantasies related to gender, sexuality, and emotion.

These genres emphasize the body's physical reactions to cinematic experiences, such as sexual arousal, fear, and tears, suggesting a direct and powerful connection between film and the audience.

A central feature of 'body genres', this concept highlights the focus on the physicality of the body - both on-screen characters and the audience's own physical reactions.

The tendency for viewers to become emotionally invested in characters and experience their emotions, leading to feelings of pleasure, fear, or grief.

Intense moments in movies where characters lose control of their emotions or actions, mirroring the visceral reactions of the audience.

The use of taboo subjects and visceral emotions to provide a space for audiences to confront their fears, desires, and vulnerabilities.

The way these genres explore sexual desire through fantasies, often in ways that challenge conventional norms of sexuality.

The exploration of fundamental human concerns about desire, difference, and the passage of time through the lens of gender and identity.

The portrayal of women as objects of desire, fear, or suffering, reflecting societal anxieties about gender and sexuality.

The study of how these genres engage with unconscious desires, anxieties, and fantasies using psychoanalytic theory.

A theory that acknowledges the overlapping and interconnected nature of social identities, such as race, gender, and class, and highlights how these identities shape individual experiences of oppression and privilege.

The process of erasing or rendering invisible the contributions of a subordinate group, making their presence and value seem insignificant.

The act of exaggerating the differences between dominant and subordinate groups, denying any shared aspects or common ground.

The way in which the identity of a subordinate group is defined only in relation to the dominant group, characterized by a lack of agency and self-definition.

Treating a subordinate group as a mere tool or resource for the benefit of the dominant group, disregarding their intrinsic worth or autonomy.

The practice of generalizing about a subordinate group, ignoring individual differences and creating stereotypes that reinforce dominant narratives.

A framework that views reality as separated into distinct, hierarchical categories, privileging one element (often associated with power) over another.

The idea that the dominant group benefits from denying its dependence on the subordinate group, while simultaneously incorporating the identity of the subordinate group in ways that affirm their own superiority.

A critique that combines ecofeminist and queer perspectives, arguing that the oppression of nature and the suppression of sexual and gender diversity are interconnected.

The fear and suppression of the erotic, particularly within the context of sexuality and gender.

Belief that nature should be controlled and exploited, often used to justify the domination of both the natural world and certain human identities.

The understanding that the liberation of humans and the environment are interconnected and mutually dependent.

The French word for 'feminism,' used in the 19th century to describe women with masculine traits or in medical contexts.

A social and political movement that advocates for women's equality and seeks to dismantle gender-based inequalities across all aspects of society.

The recognition of the diverse and evolving nature of feminist thought, embracing a multiplicity of approaches and perspectives.

A feminist approach that emphasizes education, gradual reform through existing institutions, and achieving equality within the framework of existing laws and structures.

The concept that gender roles are not innate, but rather influenced by societal factors and cultural norms. Individuals learn and perform gender based on these expectations.

The biological distinctions between men and women, determined by chromosomes, hormones, and physical characteristics.

The behaviors, expressions, and roles associated with masculinity and femininity. It's influenced by social norms and cultural values.

This concept highlights the importance of taking action and working towards social change. It involves both promoting equal rights and challenging the cultural basis of sexism.

Also known as the Women's Liberation Movement, it emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, highlighting issues related to women's rights, equality, and social justice.

A crucial aspect of the Second Wave, characterized by small, informal groups where women shared personal experiences and built collective awareness about gender inequality.

A key strategy of Second Wave Feminism involved direct actions, protests, and demonstrations to advocate for women's rights and challenge societal norms.

While aiming for a more inclusive movement, Second Wave Feminism faced criticism for primarily reflecting the concerns of white, middle-class, heterosexual women, potentially excluding other perspectives.

A period of feminist activism marked by a younger generation of women who redefined feminism for their era, embracing diverse identities and experiences.

Third Wave Feminism challenged the prescriptive tendencies of the Second Wave, arguing that women should not be stigmatized for enjoying fashion, cosmetics, or heterosexual relationships.

Third Wave Feminism embraced the use of mass media, pop culture, and new technologies to spread its message and engage with a broader audience.

Third Wave Feminism challenged traditional notions of womanhood and embraced a more fluid understanding of gender, sexuality, and identity.