In the following research paper I will focus on the American TV serial “Mad Men” (AMC, 2007-now). In the course of our class we discussed several aspects of the award-winning show and I was most fascinated by the sexual politics and the dynamics of the female-male relationships of the characters. Therefore, the focus of my work will be on the gender relations within “Mad Men” and more precisely on the character of Betty Draper.
It is my aim to analyze the character of Betty within the patriarchal structures she finds herself in (chapter 3) and this analysis will be the main part of this paper. Prior to Betty’s analysis, chapter 2 serves to clarify the concepts of Second-Wave Feminism and Patriarchy since they provide the historical background and theoretical framework. The last part of the paper will be the conclusion, followed by a list of the cited works.
I hope that this term paper contributes to answering the question of how the character of Betty Draper is influenced by the patriarchal structures and gender roles of the 1960s. Finally, it is to be said that I will exclusively focus on Season 1 of “Mad Men” and that given the 6-7 page maximum a more in-depth analysis would be possible.
Table of contents
1. Introduction
2. Second-Wave Feminism and the concept of Patriarchy
3. Betty Draper within patriarchal structures
4. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper examines gender relations in the first season of the American television series "Mad Men," specifically focusing on how the character of Betty Draper is influenced by the patriarchal structures and traditional gender roles prevalent in the 1960s.
- The theoretical framework of Second-Wave Feminism and the concept of patriarchy.
- The characterization of Betty Draper as a housewife within an upper-middle-class 1960s setting.
- Power dynamics and patriarchal control within the marriage of Don and Betty Draper.
- The psychological impact of domestic entrapment and the quest for female independence.
Excerpt from the Book
3. Betty Draper within patriarchal structures
Betty Draper is a fictional character in the American period drama series “Mad Men” which began airing in 2007. In the first season of the show, she is introduced to the audience as the beautiful wife of advertising executive Don Draper. Together they have two little children and live a seemingly idyllic, suburban life outside of New York City and Betty “appears to have it all” (Davidson 138).
Betty, whose beauty resembles Grace Kelly (White 154), can be described as “the picture-perfect wife” (White 149). Looking at Betty’s outfits, make-up and hair, one can say that she always looks well put-together. She embodies the image of an upper middle class 1950/60s housewife. With her feminine and neat appearance, Betty certainly dresses the way women were expected to dress in the 1960s in terms of gender expectations.
While Betty seems perfect and shiny on the outside, she is suffering from mental issues and ultimately goes to see a therapist. Betty is struggling with unhappiness, the loss of her mother, depression and numb hands, “for no apparent reason, she suffers temporary paralysis in her hands” (White 149). All in all, Betty can be described as a very anxious and uneasy woman. The fact that Betty wants to go see a therapist does not sit well with Don. He wants her to go get another medical opinion and clearly does not believe in the positive effects of psychotherapy. In the second episode of season one “Ladies Room” Don even says to Betty she should let someone else “open the hood and poke around”. This quote is significant because Don compares her to a car, which to him clearly is a status symbol. He apparently sees her as his possession, as another pretty thing that he owns. He does not give Betty the love and attention she needs and their relationship lacks any genuine intimacy. Don does not understand how Betty feels since according to him she has it all – a handsome husband, children and financial security.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter outlines the focus of the research paper on gender relations within "Mad Men," specifically regarding Betty Draper, and establishes the scope of the analysis limited to Season 1.
2. Second-Wave Feminism and the concept of Patriarchy: This section establishes the historical and theoretical framework, defining patriarchy as a system of male domination and its relevance to the gender roles of the 1960s.
3. Betty Draper within patriarchal structures: This chapter analyzes the character of Betty Draper, detailing how her entrapment in a patriarchal marriage and the domestic sphere contributes to her psychological distress and struggle for identity.
4. Conclusion: The final chapter summarizes how patriarchal power relations and societal pressures impact Betty Draper's agency, concluding that her behavior throughout the first season reflects an attempt to gain independence from her husband.
Keywords
Mad Men, Betty Draper, Patriarchy, Second-Wave Feminism, Gender Relations, Women's Liberation Movement, Domesticity, Male Hegemony, 1960s, Female Oppression, Television Studies, Marriage, Suburbia, Identity, Empowerment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on the American television series "Mad Men," with a specific emphasis on the gender relations depicted in the show and the character arc of Betty Draper during the first season.
What is the main research question?
The paper explores how the character of Betty Draper is shaped and influenced by the patriarchal structures and rigid gender roles characteristic of the 1960s.
Which theoretical framework does the author use?
The author utilizes the concepts of Second-Wave Feminism and the sociological definition of patriarchy to provide a historical and critical background for the analysis.
What methodology is applied in this analysis?
The author performs a character analysis and a cultural critique, using scholarly sources on feminism and gender studies to interpret the character dynamics within the series.
What are the key themes discussed in the main body?
The central themes include domestic entrapment, the lack of financial independence for women, male hegemony within marriage, and the psychological consequences of adhering to the "picture-perfect housewife" ideal.
What does the author conclude regarding Betty Draper's situation?
The author concludes that Betty Draper is caught in a patriarchal power structure that limits her agency, and her evolving behavior represents a nascent attempt to find fulfillment and independence outside of her role as a wife and mother.
How does Don Draper's behavior reflect the patriarchal society of the 1960s?
Don's behavior, characterized by his patronizing attitude, his view of Betty as a status symbol or possession, and his disregard for her emotional needs, serves as an example of male dominance in the domestic sphere.
Does the author consider the influence of the broader social movement on the characters?
Yes, the author notes that while the show is set in 1960, at the verge of the Women's Liberation Movement, the themes of workplace equality, family roles, and the desire for independence are central to the narratives in the first season.
- Citation du texte
- Anonym (Auteur), 2014, Analyzing gender relations within “Mad Men”, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/320168
