Feminist theory

Whether obvious or noticable to large audiences, women protagonists and strong female roles seem to be on the decrease. Todays society brags itself on its openness to all ethnicities and sexuality in life and film, but seems to be faulting on expressing equality between males and females. This translates not only on screen but in an open obvious disfavour to actresses through payment, the highest paid actress in Hollywood, shamefully, makes under half of the highest paid actor. Is this the fault of the directors favouring men as protagonists, abandoning strong female parts, or the audiences responses to the films; and are their responses simply programmed to favour men as protagonists? Or is it purely down to the lack of versatility in female roles.

Various women authors have confronted the issue, arguing that todays society puts an expectation on women, which is only enforced through film, magazines etc. Naomi Wolf argues that the images which are projected through the media are limiting womens beauty to a stick thin image. Forcing women to self doubt themselves for being anything but.

Ann Oakley argues against the differentiation between genders, how from a young age children are not at liberty to choose there own interests. They would be persuaded against involving themselves in something which is socially accepted to be 'made' for the other gender. For example, why shouldn't a girl want to play with cars, and why is it not right for a boy to play with dolls?

Naomi Wolf- The beauty myth 

Ann Oakley- Gender Socialisation

Visual Pleasure & Narrative Cinema (1975).   Bechdale test