The following paper will deal with the topic of transgender in the context of the literature seminar "Doing (Trans-)Gender". The primary source will be the Netflix series "Orange Is The New Black", created by Jenij Kohan and published in 2013, which deals with the topic "transgender". The series is about the women's prison of Litchfield, its inmates and their different stories. This paper will focus on how the transition of the transgender character Sophia Burset is represented in Season 1 Episode 3 "Lesbian Request Denied". First, the theoretical background and approaches on the issue of transgender will be explained. This includes definitions of certain terms and explanations related to transition. It follows a narrative analysis, which means the analysis and interpretation of certain scenes of the episode that deal with the issue of transition on the basis of the theoretical approach explained in the previous chapter. A conclusion and final thoughts will be given at the end of the term paper.
Table of Content
1. Introduction
2. Definitions in the Context of Gender Theories
2.1. Sex, Gender and Transgender
2.1.1. Gender Roles and Stereotypes
2.2. Transition
3. The Transition of Sophia Burset
3.1. Physical Transition
3.2. Social Transition
4. Conclusion
Objectives and Research Themes
This academic paper examines the representation of transgender identity within the media, specifically focusing on the character Sophia Burset from the Netflix series "Orange Is The New Black." The central research question explores how the physical and social transition of a transwoman is depicted in the show's narrative, considering gender theories, societal stereotypes, and the influence of media production techniques.
- Theoretical definitions of sex, gender, and transgender identity.
- The impact of gender roles and stereotypes on individual development.
- Analysis of physical transition markers through cinematography, sound, and lighting.
- Societal and familial challenges encountered during social transition.
- Evaluation of visual and auditory storytelling in portraying gender identity.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1. Physical Transition
The first time the series shows the physical transition of Sophia is in Season 1 Episode 3, the viewer sees Sophia in her old male appearance at her former job as a firefighter in the dressing room (02:30). When Sophia, formerly Marcus, dresses in a separate cabin, the viewer discovers that he is wearing pink feminine underwear in the form of bra and briefs (a male pronoun is used here as Sophia was still performing as a man at this time). This scene introduces the physical transition in the form of the change of appearance. Marcus manipulates his appearance with clothing that is seen as feminine (Stryker 8) but his genitals still seem to be male at this point. Even if this manipulation is not perceived by any other person as it is underwear, for Marcus, on the other hand, it is the first step to express his gender identity.
The transition becomes very clear when the spectator sees Marcus looking into the mirror and washing his face. The next look in the mirror shows Sophia in her female appearance who now puts make-up on her eyes and lips in the prison community shower (03:40). This scene is shown by a very close perspective of her face. The perspective changes again by showing Sophia's whole body from a wide-angle perspective (Voigts-Virchow 100) which introduces the climax of the transition in this scene as Sophia is now dressed only by a slip and there is a distinct physical change to be seen. She now has female genitals instead of male genitals that Marcus had in the scene before, her hair is longer and coloured and Sophia's body seems to be more feminine than before since she has a flatter belly than before and her body hair is gone, which is often an expectation of female bodies within a society (Stryker 8).
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the topic of transgender representation in media and outlines the objective to analyze Sophia Burset's transition in "Orange Is The New Black."
2. Definitions in the Context of Gender Theories: This section provides essential definitions of sex, gender, and transgender, while discussing the impact of social gender roles and stereotypes.
2.1. Sex, Gender and Transgender: This subchapter clarifies the distinction between sex as a biological aspect and gender as a social construct, incorporating various academic perspectives.
2.1.1. Gender Roles and Stereotypes: This section analyzes how societal expectations of behavior and appearance affect individuals and potentially restrict personal freedom.
2.2. Transition: This chapter defines the multifaceted process of transition, categorized into physical, legal, and social aspects.
3. The Transition of Sophia Burset: This chapter sets the stage for the narrative analysis of the fictional character Sophia Burset within the context of the series.
3.1. Physical Transition: This section examines the visual and auditory techniques used in the series to illustrate the physical transformation of the protagonist.
3.2. Social Transition: This section explores the interpersonal challenges Sophia faces, comparing her male-coded past with her self-identified female life and family reactions.
4. Conclusion: The conclusion summarizes the paper's findings, highlighting the success of the series in depicting transition while acknowledging areas where representation could be improved.
Keywords
Transgender, Gender Identity, Sophia Burset, Orange Is The New Black, Transition, Social Transition, Physical Transition, Gender Roles, Stereotypes, Media Representation, Narrative Analysis, Gender Theory, Transwoman, Queer Studies, Identity Formation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this research paper?
The paper examines how the transition process of a transwoman is represented in the television series "Orange Is The New Black," specifically focusing on the third episode of the first season.
What are the primary themes discussed in the work?
The core themes include the definition of gender versus sex, the nature of social and physical transition, the influence of gender stereotypes, and how media framing impacts the perception of transgender identity.
What is the central research question?
The research investigates how the physical and social transition of the character Sophia Burset is visually and narratively represented, and to what extent this aligns with established gender theories.
Which scientific method is applied?
The paper uses a narrative analysis approach, interpreting specific scenes from the series through the lens of secondary literature and established gender theories to identify how transition is communicated to the audience.
What topics are covered in the main section?
The main section covers the theoretical framework defining transgender concepts and gender roles, followed by a detailed analysis of Sophia Burset's physical changes (appearance, surgery) and social struggles (family dynamics, language use).
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Transgender, Gender Identity, Sophia Burset, Transition, Social Transition, Physical Transition, Gender Roles, and Media Representation.
How does the series use technical devices to portray transition?
The series employs lighting (cold vs. warm tones), perspective (close-ups vs. wide-angle shots), and music (harsh vs. soft sounds) to contrast the character’s male past with her female identity.
What role does the character's family play in the analysis?
The analysis of the family reveals the difficulties of social transition; while the wife supports her, the son's transphobic behavior highlights the societal barriers and the lack of acceptance that can impede a successful social transition.
Does the paper address legal transition?
The paper notes that the series does not provide sufficient information regarding the legal transition of the character, therefore this specific aspect is excluded from the analysis.
What is the final conclusion of the author?
The author concludes that the series successfully visualizes the transition process without being judgmental, although it relies on existing gender stereotypes, suggesting that more educational context could enhance the viewer's understanding.
- Quote paper
- Jana Held (Author), 2019, Sophia Burset's Transition in “Orange Is The New Black”. Season 1, Episode 3 "Lesbian Request Denied", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/983927
