Parks & Rec: Constructions of Femininity

In our book, Media, Culture, and Society: An Introduction written by Paul Hodkinson, he writes “Although women figure prominently within media content as a whole, their role often is secondary to that of men. The number of blockbuster films with a female in the lead role—as opposed to one in which she functions as a 'companion' and/or 'love interests' for a male star—remains low despite gradual improvements, a situation replicated across a range of other dramatic genres.” 

Parks and Recreation goes against this norm. The show displays Leslie Knope as the main character, who is a strong leader and a hard worker. At times she is a companion and or a love interest however at most points throughout the show she is the lead role. She is even shown having her own love interests (Mark, Officer Sanderson, Ben) and having her own companions (Ann, Tom, Ron etc). 

It is obvious that the show goes against this construction of femininity but I was curious to see if Parks and Recreation passed the Bechdel Test as well. 

The Bechdel Test:

1. It has to have at least two women in it (who have names)

2. Who talk to each other

3. About something besides a man

It passes part one, Leslie Knope, Ann Perkins, April Ludgate and Donna Meagle.

It passes part two as well, these female characters all talk to each other.

It passes part three also. All of these characters talk to each other about many different things, mostly regarding work. Occasionally they may talk about men, however the majority of their conversations are about something else. (Example: Leslie and Ann)

I think that the fact that Parks and Rec passes the Bechdel Test also really proves that they are going against our societies norms of constructions of femininity. Unlike many of the movies and shows that we are familiar with, the show is encouraging a positive change on how people think about women. 

I find this interesting because it is not something that you notice right away when you watch the show. It is not obvious that they are trying to change the way people think about women or femininity. However, it is still going against our social constructs and redefining them.