This paper attempted to analyze in the six Philippine short stories written by Filipino women the struggles that continue to plague women as they continue to improve their plight in a patriarchal society. "Desire" by Paz Latorena (1937); "The Corals" by Edith Tiempo (1948); "The Virgin" by Kerima Polotan-Tuvera (1952); "Love in the Corn Husk" by Aida Rivera-Ford (1957); "Magnificence" by Estrella Alfon (1960); and "The Visitation of the Gods" by Gilda Cordero-Fernando (1962).
Specifically this study aimed to answer these following questions: What elements of feminism are present in the six short stories? What struggles are experienced by these women characters in terms of: economic inequality; social discrimination; political power; and psychological oppression? What are the causes of their struggles? What courses of action do the women take to triumph over their struggles? How can this study contribute to the in promoting gender equality and women empowerment in the local setting as well as in the international stage?
For the research methodology, the study made use of the descriptive method. The researcher found it was appropriate because it makes use of the processes of gathering, analyzing and classifying data about prevailing conditions, practices, beliefs, processes, trends, and cause and effect relationships. The principal anchor of this method was the description of the nature of a situation as it exists during the time of the study and to explore the causes of a particular phenomenon.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Methods
- Conclusions
- References
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper analyzes six Philippine short stories written by Filipino women to examine the persistent struggles women face within a patriarchal society. The study aims to identify feminist elements within the stories, explore the economic, social, political, and psychological struggles experienced by the female characters, determine the root causes of these struggles, and analyze the women's responses. Finally, it considers the study's contribution to promoting gender equality and women's empowerment.
- Feminist elements in Philippine short stories
- Economic, social, political, and psychological struggles of women
- Root causes of women's struggles in a patriarchal society
- Women's responses to oppression and societal challenges
- Contribution to gender equality and women's empowerment
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This chapter sets the stage for the study by referencing Betty Friedan's *The Feminine Mystique* and highlighting the continued relevance of women's struggles despite societal advancements. It emphasizes the enduring patriarchal system and its influence on defining gender and female sexuality, contrasting traditional expectations of women with their growing assertiveness and expanding career aspirations. The introduction establishes the persistent challenges faced by women, even within contexts of increased integration into various fields, highlighting the need for this analysis of women's struggles in literature.
Keywords
Patriarchal Society, feminism, feminist analysis, Philippine short stories, gender equality, women's empowerment, economic inequality, social discrimination, political power, psychological oppression.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Feminist Themes in Philippine Short Stories
What is the main topic of this academic paper?
This paper analyzes six Philippine short stories written by Filipino women to examine the persistent struggles women face within a patriarchal society. The study identifies feminist elements, explores the economic, social, political, and psychological struggles of female characters, determines the root causes, and analyzes the women's responses. Ultimately, it considers the study's contribution to promoting gender equality and women's empowerment.
What are the key themes explored in the short stories?
The key themes revolve around the multifaceted struggles of women in a patriarchal society. These include feminist elements present in the narratives, the economic, social, political, and psychological challenges faced by the female characters, the underlying causes of these challenges, and how the women respond to oppression and societal pressures.
What is the significance of Betty Friedan's "The Feminine Mystique" in this study?
The introduction references Betty Friedan's *The Feminine Mystique* to highlight the enduring relevance of women's struggles despite societal progress. It emphasizes that a patriarchal system continues to shape gender roles and female sexuality, creating a contrast between traditional expectations and women's growing assertiveness and career ambitions.
What are the objectives of this research?
The study aims to identify feminist elements in the chosen short stories, analyze the various struggles faced by women (economic, social, political, and psychological), uncover the root causes of these struggles within the patriarchal framework, and analyze how the women in the stories respond to these challenges. The final objective is to assess the study's contribution to advancing gender equality and women's empowerment.
What are the key chapters covered in the paper?
The paper includes an Introduction, Methods (not detailed in the preview), Conclusions (not detailed in the preview), and References.
What are the keywords associated with this research?
Key words include: Patriarchal Society, feminism, feminist analysis, Philippine short stories, gender equality, women's empowerment, economic inequality, social discrimination, political power, psychological oppression.
What is the overall contribution of this research?
The research aims to contribute to the understanding of women's ongoing struggles within a patriarchal society, specifically within the context of Philippine literature. It seeks to promote gender equality and women's empowerment by analyzing the experiences depicted in the short stories.
- Quote paper
- Mary Jane Mallari (Author), 2016, Women’s Struggles in a Patriarchal Society. A Feminist Analysis of Six Philippine Short Stories, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/436054
