The idea of gender theory was first introduced in 1981, asserting that children learn about male and female roles through the culture around them. Unlike other ideas, Sandra Bern’s Gender Schema Theory remains selfsame in a world where everything is rapidly changing. For example, cleaning, cooking, grocery shopping, and child rearing have been associated with women for centuries. In the modern era, the “majority of Americans believe woman still hold the responsibility of these jobs- even if the woman has a full-time job or makes more than her partner” (American Sociological Association). The attitudes of society remain unchanged, therefore promoting the same values to our posterity. According to the schema theory, “children adjust their behavior to fit in with the gender norms and expectations of their culture” (Bern). This leads to an endless cycle where the same beliefs are passed down from one generation to the next. As a result, men are viewed as the “dominant” gender-centered around the workplace and home life, whereas women are viewed as “submissive”-centered around nurturing of their children. Due to this dominance, women have difficulties escaping these normatives. In the American sitcom, Parks and Recreation, the title character, Leslie Knope, attempts to break free of these norms. Although she is publicly humiliated and attacked, Leslie emphasizes the double standard women are held accountable for and how irrational, illogical, and oftentimes damaging the arguments against women’s rights are. In doing so, Leslie removes herself from being a mere “puppet” in her husband’s campaign and goes against the traditional female role. By rejecting gender normatives, Leslie disrupts the status quo of gender roles and sheds light on the misogynistic society in which we live.
For the purposes of my argument, I will examine the role of women in disrupting the inscribed gender roles. By discussing how the archaic ideals of conforming women are clinging to the youth, I will establish the current state of affairs and then utilize Parks and Recreation to address the issue. In Parks and Recreation, NBC employs Leslie as a vehicle to attack traditional gender roles. By redefining cultural norms through a women, Parks and Recreation challenges Bern’s Gender Theory, proposing that alternative idea/options exist outside the traditional realm. According to the Gender-Schema Theory, “children themselves play an active role in developing gender-appropriate behavior” (Bern). By forming their own concept about gender, children shape their behavior so that it conforms to their gender concepts. As a result, gender schema is a cluster of ideas about physical qualities, behaviors, and personality traits associated with one sex or the other. Once this schema is formed, children try to live up to it in order to “fit in” society. Before I present my argument, it would be beneficial to define a few terms necessary for understanding my intentions. Gender roles can be defined as, “different sets of behaviors that a culture considers appropriate for males and females” (Rathus 57). When talking about gender roles, the females are expected to do the light work and focus on the children, whereas the men are expected to be the ones that do the hard work and get money. The development of this idea is known as gender typing. As you grow up, you begin to classify things, unknowingly, into masculine and feminine categories. For example, the color pink is associated with girls and the color blue is with boys because when you are younger “girls toys” are pink and “boys toys” are blue. The general characterization engrades a basic principle about the differences in gender. Comprised of gender roles and typing, society begins to accept a stereotype for each gender. A gender stereotype is a fixed and oversimplified belief about the ways men and women ought to behave. This leads to stereotyping in nearly every component of life- from the workplace to at home. Society then begins to accept that women are biologically created with weaker traits and abilities, establishing a fine gap between genders.
However, in reality, it is impossible to be distinctively weaker in terms of characterization at birth. The Bern’s Gender Schema Theory, itself, states that children adjust their behaviors growing up to match the culture around them. Children develop social awareness as time progresses, which goes to show the invalidity in society’s claim that women are created inferior to man. As expressed in Parks and Recreation, woman call into question the notion of gender stereotyping and demonstrate how traumatic hysteria has been used to degrade and control women. To establish a connection between females and the effects of trauma, I will be using the article Are Women Naturally Submissive or is it Trauma Response ?. In the article, Ashley Easter, abuse victim advocate, demonstrates the portrayal of women in the media versus their actual embodiment. It is common to hear that women are “submissive, obedient, nurturing, passive, timid, dependent, overly emotional, and easily deceived” (Easter). This idea of the perfect image has been preached by secular society and the church, stating that the aforementioned traits are qualities “naturally” present in females. Many argue that men and women are born with distinct personality inclinations, but they fail to take into account that the traits described for women are actually common symptoms of those who have suffered abuse. Abusers need to use cruel tactics in order to naturally push women into passive roles. According to Easter, “Victims of abuse often learn that they are expected to be nurturing to the point where they must anticipate and meet the abuser’s every need and desire in order to avoid greater abuse” (Easter). Not only does submissive behavior correlate with trauma, calling someone “easily deceived” is a common tactic of abusers who try to exploit others. According to statistics, “1 in 3 women experience abuse in their lifetime”, which does not fully capture the true proportion as, “ abuse is greatly under-reported” (Easter). Rather than obtaining “natural” qualities as a women, trauma has a significant effect on their behavior. The great majority of women have, in fact, experienced some type of abuse, either directly or through systematic and societal conditioning. Although the majority of women are forced to live through it, the natural state of women should not be one that is of trauma response.
Coincidently, it is impossible for traumatic hysteria to inflict men. Its very own definition states, “overly emotional, out-of-control, and irrational behavior” (Michaels). The hallmark behavior is uniquely crafted to embody the characteristics of woman with linkage to their anatomy. However, when examining the correlation between men and women and their characters, there is only small differences. Society has developed two contrasting behaviors which both fail to be true. In Parks and Recreation, the show consistently emphasizes the similarities of men and women and uses this as a force for eliminating social obstructions against women. Based on the way society has presented gender, everyone assumes gender defines you. In actuality, sex has little to no bearing in one’s personality, cognition, and leadership. In the article Men and Women: No Big Difference, Psychologist Janet Shibley Hyde, PhD, of the University of Wisconsin in Madison conducts a study to analyze the differences of women and men. The media’s depictions of men and women as fundamentally “different” – despite the lack of evidence. Hyde’s study analyzed the impact of gender on many psychological traits and abilities,
including cognitive abilities, verbal and nonverbal communication, aggression, leadership, self-esteem, moral reasoning and motor behaviors. In the study, Hyde concluded, “Only a few main differences appeared: Compared with women, men could throw farther, were more physically aggressive, masturbated more, and held more positive attitudes about sex in uncommitted relationships” (American Sociological Association). After testing qualities of both genders, the results were merely the same. Both men and women exemplify the same skills and qualities, yet women are supposed to passive and take the back seat to men. For example, in one of Hyde’s experiment, “ participants in one experiment were told that they would not be identified as male or female, nor did they wear any identification, and none were conformed to stereotypes about their sex when given the chance to be aggressive. In fact, they did the opposite of what would be expected – women were more aggressive and men were more passive” (American Sociological Association). Based on the research, women are no different from men but the stereotypes surrounding their figure extracts from their potential and reduces their influence. This misinterpretation of gender differences leads to substantially less opportunities for women.
Parks and Recreation explores stereotypical gender normatives in the modern era while telling the story of Leslie Knope’s experiences in the Pawnee Parks and Recreation Department. By using a feminist lense in the show, Knope highlights the flaw of the media and society. In the “Pie-Mary”, Knope’s husband, Ben Wyatt, is running for congress while Leslie is supposed to enter in Pawnee’s traditional pie-baking contest with all the other candidates wives. As antiquated, Leslie refuses to take part in the misogynist competition, sparking an uproar among the media. Although the eventual solution involved Ben baking his own pie, Leslie challenges cultural norms, educates society on the trauma dealt by women, and emphasizes the equality in male and female abilities.
Unlike other media outlets, Parks and Recreation sheds light on the harsh reality of gender roles and stereotypes. The annual tradition of the town is a pie-baking competition among the candidates wives. This tradition exhibits the gender stereotype that all women cook/bake while the men run the government. By structuring the episode as a progression of gender typing, Knope displays a compelling argument against degrading women. When Jennifer Barkley, Ben’s campaign advisor, asks Leslie if she’s ready for the campaign, Leslie answers, “Well, I was an actual candidate, so I think I can handle being a candidate’s wife. I know all the issues inside and out” (00:02:10-00:02:30). However, Barkley responds by saying, “Mmm, see, that’s the problem. Being the wife-of is a minefield” (00:02:30-00:02:45). Barkley’s main objective of her statement was to inform Leslie that the citizens look down upon a figure that’s involved, they rather have someone who serves as a mere social figure to the candidate. This is the first confrontation with gender typing we experience and it is outright ridiculous. Connecting to Bern’s Schema Theory, society prefers someone who fulfills the traditional ideals. Leslie is expected to be submissive, dependent on Ben, and nurturing her kids, rather than working. Even though, in this situation, Leslie is the clear cut candidate’s wife, she does not receive any recognition. As stated by the American Physiological Association, men and women are capable of exhibiting the same qualities. In fact, Leslie is overqualified as she has years of political experience, attempts to better the lives of others, and is outspoken yet passionate. However, society does not like Leslie as she does not follow the confinements of women in the past. By refusing to follow the typical stereotype, Leslie becomes the center of focus where everyone attempts to ruin her career.
To resolve the issue, Parks and Recreation decides to use the factors that discriminate against women to raise awareness and effectively counter the misogynistic environment. By presenting new ways to view traditional norms, Leslie exposes the flaws of society and attempts to redefine them. Rather than singling out women, Leslie attempts to help all women in the town by refusing to enter the pie-baking competition. When asked about the competition, Leslie reacted by saying, “The last contest’s winner was June Hartwell’s buttermilk meringue. Last contest’s loser was all women” (00:10:05-00:10:30). Rather than exhibiting the traditional urge to compete to win, Leslie is aware of the competition’s role in presuming the continuation of gender typing. She states that she is focusing on bigger issues, like Ben’s $150 million revitalization program. By refusing to participate in this ancient competition, Leslie challenges Bern’s Schema Theory. Bern’s theory has remained consistent over the years as the same values are passed down from one generation to the next. By attacking these values, Leslie attempts to break free from the cycle. The media however twists her words, questioning her by asking, “[Leslie] you made it pretty clear that you don’t think homemaking is important. What kind of statement are you making by skipping it, do you ever cook for your children?” (00:11:50-00:12:10) When Leslie answers back that she is not making any statement, just focusing on bigger issues, the media clapsback by saying, “ Okay, take it easy. Let’s not get emotional” (00:12:15-00:12:30). Not only was this reaction out of context, it highlights the double standard women are held too. Rather than asking Ben, everyone attacks Leslie, asking her role as a wife or mother. The reporter, on the other hand, exemplifies a common stereotype about women-that they get emotional. Leslie was promptly answering his question and he cut her short, asserting his male dominance. As a result, Leslie decides to leave the press conference, refusing to be classified by the media. Although Leslie may seen “soft” for leaving, she illustrates how she will not tolerate male dominance and female suppression. In reality, Leslie is strong as she is being attacked and traumatized by society, yet keeps fighting for her rights. This scene directly connects to Easter’s experiences of systematic and societal conditioning. Women are constantly put in Leslie’s situation and are better off abiding traditional abstract. Redefining social norms among women hasn’t been successful in the past and has lead to worsening conditionals and traumatic hysteria. As a result, women have built a “submissive” quality, due to male dominance and control.
In Parks and Recreation, the eventual solution to Leslie’s dilemma involved Ben baking his own pie- acting as his own wife. Through this approach, they sidestepped the controversy, refocused the campaign onto the actual candidate, and flipped the antiquated tradition right on it head. Before the episode concludes, Leslie receives the opportunity to deliver a speech to the crowd. Leslie was supposed to apologize to the crowd but opts to validate her reasoning, rather than abiding to the media. This is another great example of how Leslie plays a significant role in the campaign, rather than acting as a trophy wife. Leslie is a great mother, public servant, all around person, yet everybody is constantly telling her she’s making wrong choices. To address these issues, Leslie begins by saying, “The first thing I’m gonna do is say sorry. I’m sorry that the spotlight is on me and not on Ben, because he is going to make a great congressman” (00:20:50-00:21:20). By apologizing, Leslie acknowledges how the media tries to suppress her and undermines her importance. Society isn’t custom to a prominent female figure in the spotlight and apologizing sheds l
ight on the topic as it highlights the problem with the status quo. When Parks and Recreation introduces the Male Rights Activist (MRA) group, it seems almost too ridiculous to be true. However, the group functions as a unflinchingly mockery and demonstrated the flaw in society. When Leslie drops the mic regarding feminism in her claim, “Second, the Male Men Where are you? Ah. You’re ridiculous, and men’s rights is nothing” (00:22:55-00:23:00). Although this pithy response seems ineffective in addressing the issue, Parks and Recreation utilizes this small remark to drive home Leslie’s goal- questioning society why prominent women are asked a bunch of pointless, frivolous questions that men in the same position are not asked. Parks and Recreation builds off of this and demonstrated the double standard between men and as women. No one has ever asked Ben where his kids are or who’s taking care of them right now. To leave the audience with a compelling argument, Leslie ends her speech by stating, “So, maybe I don’t fit your personal idea of what a candidate’s wife should be. So what? That’s good, because there shouldn’t be just one idea anyway” (00:25:45-00:26:15). This closing remark is a directly correlating with Bern’s Schema Theory. Society has built different images for men and women and expects everyone to follow them. “Qualities” that everyone receives do not naturally occur, rather they are built over time. Leslie holds a position in the government, therefore viewed as an outcast by society. In actuality, she encompasses the same abilities, and if not better, than her fellow colleagues. By raising awareness that not only one idea should exist. Parks and Recreation attacks the gender normalities that are presumed to be followed and opens the door for other women to step outside of the box and feel free to be different.
Unlike many other television series in mainstream media, Parks and Recreation takes a progressive and positive approach on the portrayal of women. In the episode “Pie-Mary”, NBC challenges sterotypes and sexist gender roles. By rejecting Sandra Bern’s Gender Theory, the show redefines gender normatives through Leslie Knope. By illustrating the capability of women, the traumatic hysteria from male control, and the similarities between the two genders, Parks and Recreation presents a compelling argument for breaking free of gender stereotypes. Human beings have always loved to put labels on everything in life. We classify toy cars with boys and dolls with girls. However, it is the right time for change. Children grow up to the constant exposure of the same concepts over and over. It is impossible to prevent them from seeing everything that sends the wrong message. Fortunately, the most powerful messages kids absorb are from parents. In order to end the cycle of gender stereotypes, parents need to actively serve as a role-model for children, promoting gender equality, speaking out against stereotypes, and challenging outdated ideas.