Media Series - TV
Feminist approaches


Representation - Page 6
EDUQUAS

Apply the different Feminist approaches to “Humans”.

Feminist approaches to Humans

Socialist

  • Concerns with class and economics – ‘power is located in socio-economic structures’
  • Women’s ‘production of labour’ and the ‘economic value of domestic labour’ are not recognised
  • As this work is lower/unpaid, it is essential to maintain a capitalist society
  • Women as consumers in this society
  • Linked often to class, age and ethnicity
  • Advertising reinforces sexual objectification of women

Radical

  • Men control a patriarchal society through dominance and physical strength
  • Men have no place in feminist utopia
  • Believe in women dominating society
  • Reject typical gender roles
  • Media production is owned by men, operates to the benefit of the male and should be by women, for women

Liberal

  • Fighting for power through the equal, legal rights of women in society
  • Media perpetuate sex role stereotypes because they reflect dominant social values
  • Male media producers are influenced by this
  • Men are not the enemy-can live alongside each other as equals
  • Women can be superwoman- home, family, body and work

Media Series - TV
Feminist approaches


Representation - Page 6
EDUQUAS

How might we apply the different Feminist approaches to Humans?

Socialist feminism

  • Women are “expected” to be domestic or sexualized – Anita exemplifies this as housewife and nurturer.
  • Laura is “replaced” by a synth (domestically, maternally and eventually sexually) because she is struggling to manage home/work effectively and is seen as imperfect by her family.
  • The decision is taken unilaterally by husband Joe who is impressed by the perfect, beautiful, domestic Anita
  • The predominant casting of ethnic actors as synths reinforces their ‘lower’ social status.

Radical feminism

  • Women are mostly subservient to males. Niska is used sexually in the brothel, where she is left by Leo. Laura is replaced (by Joe).
  • Patriarchal values are clearly evident within the ‘Humans’ diegesis.

Liberal feminism

  • The “superwoman” figure is Laura who is clearly struggling with her role.
  • Sex role stereotypes are propagated by the male producers of the synths.
  • Women are, however, not marginalised but are central to the narrative and hold some positions of authority, e.g. DS Voss
Print