Examples Of Patriarchy In Snow White
A GENDER READING OF SNOW WHITE (By Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, 1812 Version)
Fairy tales are generally criticized for their sexist narrative that traps women in traditional roles established by patriarchy. It is not difficult to point out the gender stereotypes in these old folklore stories, by any means. Snow White is one of those narratives that appeals to the critiques for it rich details of such stereotypes. This essay intends to explore the impacts of patriarchal society in the Grimms version of Snow White and analyse it in a context of gender and sexism issues.
First of all, it is important to define patriarchal society and describe its mechanism. Patriarchal society is a social system in which the father is the head of the family. Starting
from the smallest system, family, the whole society and community is governed by men. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com) It’s a power structured relationship designed to highlight the dominance of men in every aspect of daily life. Sexual dominion obtains the most pervasive ideology of the patriarchal society, where having masculine characteristics is praised and feminine characteristics are despised. In this kind of society, military, industry, technology, universities, science, political office, and finance are all in male hands. (pg:25) Women cannot be seen in the offices at all. Society does not allow women to hold power. (pg:26) Even if there is any female power, it is not because women deserve it but it is simply a gesture of men granting power to women as a gift. Such power is mostly related to domestic issues where women should be confined. Males are superior beings by nature while females are inferior. This inferiority creates a rivalry among women to be the most attractive ones to men. However, as long as the patriarchy reigns, it is a never-ending struggle to get to the top, let alone maintain the position. The struggle in the race to please men is itself one of the most important foundations of patriarchy. The competition keeps women distracted and it suits the purpose of maintaining patriarchy.
Fairy tales are generally criticized for their sexist narrative that traps women in traditional roles established by patriarchy. It is not difficult to point out the gender stereotypes in these old folklore stories, by any means. Snow White is one of those narratives that appeals to the critiques for it rich details of such stereotypes. This essay intends to explore the impacts of patriarchal society in the Grimms version of Snow White and analyse it in a context of gender and sexism issues.
First of all, it is important to define patriarchal society and describe its mechanism. Patriarchal society is a social system in which the father is the head of the family. Starting
from the smallest system, family, the whole society and community is governed by men. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com) It’s a power structured relationship designed to highlight the dominance of men in every aspect of daily life. Sexual dominion obtains the most pervasive ideology of the patriarchal society, where having masculine characteristics is praised and feminine characteristics are despised. In this kind of society, military, industry, technology, universities, science, political office, and finance are all in male hands. (pg:25) Women cannot be seen in the offices at all. Society does not allow women to hold power. (pg:26) Even if there is any female power, it is not because women deserve it but it is simply a gesture of men granting power to women as a gift. Such power is mostly related to domestic issues where women should be confined. Males are superior beings by nature while females are inferior. This inferiority creates a rivalry among women to be the most attractive ones to men. However, as long as the patriarchy reigns, it is a never-ending struggle to get to the top, let alone maintain the position. The struggle in the race to please men is itself one of the most important foundations of patriarchy. The competition keeps women distracted and it suits the purpose of maintaining patriarchy.