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Abstract

This dissertation explores gender construction and female empowerment in the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003). It argues that Buffy challenges traditional notions of gender through its protagonist, Buffy Summers. Buffy’s display of both traditional feminine and traditional masculine traits challenged accepted norms. This dissertation explores how these traditional gender traits are subverted, particularly though the show’s use of genre. Firstly, an historical context in which Buffy was produced will be explored through an examination of the political, social, and cultural context of the 1990s. Buffy reflected debates surrounding gender that were common at the time and questions concepts of female agency raised by feminists as well as public figures such as First Lady Hillary Clinton. Chapter two then explores how season one provided the foundation for Buffy’s later engagement with female empowerment and how Buffy subverts traditional ideas surrounding heroism, and its claim that heroism is not determined solely by masculinity. Chapter three examines Buffy’s final season, which has the series overt feminist statement through the sharing of Buffy’s Slayer power which highlights the importance of collective action in the struggle for equality whilst exploring its negotiation of masculine leadership in an American context. Drawing on episodes of Buffy as the main primary source base and numerous academics from the field of ‘Buffy Studies’, it draws on themes of female empowerment and agency, American exceptionalism and gender construction to argue that Buffy ultimately proves the value to be found in strong female characters

Course: American Studies and History - BA (Hons) - C1690

Date Deposited: 2021-03-11

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis13686.html