A Study of the Evolution of Female Roles in Science Fiction Films and Modifying Society’s Stereotypical Thinking
Dhanapale, Pooja V.
Ph.D. Research Scholar, Department of English, Karnataka University, Dharwad
Abstract
We have hitherto only considered the viewpoint of men, but now it’s time to give women a fair shot as well. Every human being has the potential to learn about and advance science and technology, thus it is not only a field that is exclusively open to one gender. In movies, women play a supporting role for the men. An examination of the ways in which culture affects the evolving discussion of gender portrayals in cinema. Science fiction films are the ideal medium for discussing human habitation in the future because their content is an imaginative representation of civilization. Under the premise of a science fiction theme, it is necessary to re-examine and reinterpret the connection between genders considering modern technology. It has taken a while for the representation of women in movies to improve after years of under representation. Redemption of women altered significantly as nations advanced in modernity. The media had a significant impact on the modernization of societies and the perception of women in the contemporary world. Women are portrayed in modern movies as being more autonomous, self-assured, and career-focused. For example, Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), Avatar (2009), Mission Mangal (2019). As movies are a mirror of social structural changes, the goal is to connect the evolving roles performed by women in movies with the rising status of women. The hegemonic discourse of cinema that prescribes what constitutes appropriate gender roles. In order to achieve this, we will adopt a critical poststructuralist viewpoint on how body images are portrayed in well-known science fiction Movies that have been released in recent years. How women are portrayed throughout their development history using famous English-speaking science fiction films. The reflection and feedback of the sci-fi film as a social and cultural phenomenon on the reality of the western world. Sci-Fi movies can instruct and influence viewers in a useful way, such as by portraying positive female characters to encourage more women to shatter the stereotype and actively engage in science-related job or study.
Key Words: Science Fiction Films, Film Studies, Social Feminism, Redemption.
Impact Statement
Science fiction films with powerful, sophisticated female protagonists have given audiences a platform to see women as clever, capable, and autonomous individuals. The idea that women may only play passive or supporting parts has been disproved by these films’ portrayals, which instead show them as leaders, innovators, and heroes in their own right. This has challenged stereotypes about what women can do in addition to providing strong role models for women in the actual world. Science fiction films have also played a significant role in advancing gender equality and dismantling gender norms. These films have shown that gender does not dictate one’s potential or ability by developing scenarios where women actively participate in scientific inquiry, technical developments, and epic adventures. They have shown that women can succeed in sectors that have historically been controlled by males and have the power to influence the future. The representation of women in science fiction films has significantly altered preconceived notions of men and women.
Author’s Profile
Pooja V. Dhanapale is a research scholar in the department of studies in English, Karnatak University, Dharwad. She has worked as guest lecturer in English. Presently, she is pursuing research on Science Fiction. Her interests are Cultural studies, Critical Theories, Science fiction studies, and New Literatures. She has published articles in the journal Literary Endeavours besides attending seminars and conferences regularly. Ms. Pooja has been actively associated with research activities in Karnatak University, Dharwad.
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