Challenging the 'Dumb Blonde' Stereotype: A Feminist and Intersectional Analysis of Gender and Professionalism in Legally Blonde (2001) Movie

Authors

  • Georgia Love Lee MAKARIOS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
  • Kezia Jade Meizie Sabuin MAKARIOS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
  • Petronio Pirdon Manullang MAKARIOS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
  • Rachell Christie Anastasya Hutagalung MAKARIOS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Keywords:

Legally Blonde (2001), Feminism, Gender Performativity, Patriarchy, Gender Roles

Abstract

This study examines how Legally Blonde (2001) depicts femininity using a qualitative content analysis: intelligence, and gender dynamics by applying feminist criticism, gender performativity by Judith Butler (1990) and intersectionality frameworks by Kimberlé Crenshaw (1991). In addition, the elements of the visual narratives (cinematography), such as: camerawork, tones of colors were analyzed. As the result: 1) It reveals how the movie subverts traditional gender stereotypes by showing Elle Woods’ transformation from being perceived as a “dumb blonde” to a competent lawyer, challenging societal expectations that femininity equates to a lack of intelligence. 2) It  highlights the challenges women face in male-dominated professions, as seen in Elle’s experience navigating Harvard Law School while maintaining her feminine identity. 3) It focuses on how Elle’s success illustrates that professional competence and femininity are not mutually exclusive, as her journey critiques the rigid expectations placed on women in professional spaces. This research offers a detailed perspective on gender roles in media, highlighting how movies can either question or uphold societal expectations related to gender and career achievement.

References

Brown, J. (2010). Gender Stereotypes in Popular Cinema: A Study of 'Legally Blonde' Using Gender Performativity Theory. Cinema Studies Review.

Butler, J. (1990). Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity. Routledge.

Butler, J. (1993). Bodies That Matter: On the Discursive Limits of Sex. Routledge.

Catalyst. (2023). Women in male-dominated industries and occupations: Quick take. Catalyst. https://www.catalyst.org

Crenshaw, K. (1991). Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence against Women of Color. Stanford Law Review, 43(6), 1241-1299.

Luketic, R. (Director). (2001). Legally Blonde [Film]. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

Mulvey, L. (1975). Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema. Screen, 16(3), 6-18.

Connell, R. W. (2005). Masculinities (2nd ed.). University of California Press.

Goffman, E. (1979). Gender Advertisements. Macmillan.

Hooks, B. (1984). Feminist Theory: From Margin to Center. South End Press.

Internet Movie Database. (n.d.). IMDb. IMDb.com, Inc. Retrieved August 29, 2024, from https://www.imdb.com/

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Published

2024-08-29

How to Cite

Lee, G. L., Sabuin, K. J. M., Manullang, P. P., & Hutagalung, R. C. A. (2024). Challenging the ’Dumb Blonde’ Stereotype: A Feminist and Intersectional Analysis of Gender and Professionalism in Legally Blonde (2001) Movie. Boanerges: Makarios Education Journal, 2(1), 96–106. Retrieved from https://streamfly.tech/index.php/boanerges/article/view/27

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2024): BOANERGES

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