From Daughter to Soldier: Analysis of Gender Subversion in Mulan Comic through Judith Butler’s Feminism

Authors

  • Cayla Abielle Johanes MAKARIOS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
  • Asti Thesalonika Manurung MAKARIOS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
  • Axell Kyrie MAKARIOS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
  • Darrell Timothy Sitompul MAKARIOS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
  • Justin Tio Manuel Hutapea MAKARIOS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Keywords:

gender performativity, empowerment, tradition, patriarchy, gender inequality

Abstract

This study explores how gender identity informs female empowerment in the comic book Mulan (2020), analyzed through Judith Butler’s theory of Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity (1990). Using a qualitative approach, the research examines both extrinsic elements (visual style, dialogue bubbles, and coloring techniques) and intrinsic aspects (plot, character development, and themes). The analysis reveals the findings. 1) Mulan’s struggles are framed by traditional Chinese values of devotion and duty, which she redefines against patriarchal constraints. 2) The comic employs themes of resilience and transformation, portraying Mulan’s resistance to restrictive gender norms. 3) Mulan’s journey illustrates that gender roles are not inherently tied to masculinity or femininity, but can be subverted to embrace autonomy and self-worth. These findings highlight the relevance of children’s comics as cultural texts that challenge stereotypes and highlight social issues, offering readers a deeper understanding of gender, empowerment, and identity.

References

Butler, J. (1988). Performative acts and gender constitution: An essay in phenomenology and feminist theory. Theatre Journal, 40(4), 519–531. https://doi.org/10.2307/3207893

Butler, J. (1990). Gender trouble: Feminism and the subversion of identity. Routledge.

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Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Depression in women. Retrieved September 1, 2025, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/depression-in-women

Lwamba, E., et al. (2022). Strengthening women’s empowerment and gender equality in fragile and conflict-affected settings: A systematic review. Campbell Systematic Reviews, 18(4), e1292. https://doi.org/10.1002/CL2.1292

McKinlay, A. (2010). Performativity and the politics of identity: Putting Butler to work. Journal of Cultural Economy, 3(3), 281–299. https://doi.org/10.1080/1045235409001294

Pew Research Center. (2021). Americans’ housework and childcare patterns. Retrieved September 1, 2025, from https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/

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Published

2025-08-31

How to Cite

Johanes, C. A., Manurung, A. T., Axell Kyrie, Sitompul, D. T., & Hutapea, J. T. M. (2025). From Daughter to Soldier: Analysis of Gender Subversion in Mulan Comic through Judith Butler’s Feminism. Boanerges: Makarios Education Journal, 3(1), 56–67. Retrieved from https://streamfly.tech/index.php/boanerges/article/view/40

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 1 (2025): BOANERGES

Section

Table of Contents

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