Generational Chains

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Generational Chains: Revealing the Cycle of Internalised Misogyny and Fixed Gender Roles in Girl by Jamaica Kincaid Using Feminist Critique Concepts The single-sentence story Girl by Jamaica Kincaid portrays the disturbing reality of how women themselves can be the perpetrators of fixed gender roles and other misogynistic norms. Reading Girl through the lens of feminist criticism reveals the imposition of fixed gender roles, which are inherently problematic as they mould a woman’s life within narrow confines. Consequently, it creates a positive correlation between their submission and personal value. In all but two lines of the dialogue which takes up all of the story are explicit instructions on domestic chores and proprieties, with the very …show more content…

Such statements further reveal the sexual nature of fixed gender roles. In addition to performing the menial duties expected of their gender, women are expected to suppress their sexuality to a degree deemed appropriate. Reflecting this, the mother orders: “This is how to behave in the presence of men who don’t know you very well, and this way they won’t recognize immediately the slut I have warned you against becoming” (Kincaid), implying that women do not have full control over their bodies and sexual choices in fear of the external judgement or coercion they might face. Coupled with not having rights to express their sexuality, women are also expected to act feminine, as shown when the mother commands: “Don’t squat down to play marbles—you are not a boy, you know” (Kincaid). Suggesting that females must act feminine is yet another representation of fixed gender roles, as it implies that a woman involved in activities that are traditionally considered masculine is inherently …show more content…

Mom passes down judgements based on perceived sexual behaviour and appearance, as well as expectations on duties to be fulfilled, policing her daughter’s choices and actions. This can be represented by admonishments such as: “this is how to hem a dress when you see the hem coming down and so to prevent yourself from looking like the slut I know you are so bent on becoming” (Kincaid) or almost every other line in Girl. Such quotes reveal that the manifestation of misogyny between generations is internalised, as the perpetuation of these values are upheld and transmitted by women irrespective of the presence of men. This occurrence presumably has been the norm for several generations, forming a cycle where a mother will educate her daughter on misogynistic concepts; understanding that they are considered social norms, she may then impose them on her potential daughters as well, constituting internalised misogyny. Several potential causes can be identified, such as a patriarchal society pressuring them to adhere to and pass down these values for self preservation, or education exclusion resulting in women not being able to recognize the misogynistic nature of said

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