Gender Roles in the Simpsons

Discuss the relationship between gender and the sitcom genre in one screened episode of one sitcom studied in this unit The Simpsons). Your discussion should pay particular attention to the ways in which generic conventions of the sitcom are employed as a means for exploring gender roles and/or sexual difference in the nominated episode and the series as a whole.

Gender in The Simpsons.

It is known in today’s world, that males and females are seen as two distinct separate classes, owing mainly to society’s expectations. Having been present throughout the history of mankind, reinforced and loosened over the ages, gender differences have been synonymous with day to day actions and are represented in every available medium. The notion that men and women are different is interpreted through their traditional roles. Men, being the dominant gender, is shown to possess heavy masculine traits, are physically stronger and are the ‘breadwinner’ of those around him, while women are seen to be fragile, require the help of men eventually and enforce a caring, forgiving nature. Having shaped itself from the simple thought that men are at the top of the food chain, they are thus given more opportunities in life, putting emphasis on their value above women. This is reflected in the roles of characters in sitcoms, as men usually take the form of the protagonist and are given main roles, with most of the issues and screen time directed around them. Women on the other hand are given stereotypical minor roles, such as the position of a housewife, or an assistant. Females also have their sexuality emphasized and objectified. Each gender is presented in a recurring pattern, enforcing how they are meant to act according to their sex. (Mattsson 1) Through analysis of this statement in relation to sitcoms, it is possible to view how gender roles are constantly reproduced and challenged, particularly in The Simpsons.

Since its inception on December 17,1989 The Simpsons has managed...