Gender Stereotypes In To Kill A Mockingbird

The effort society has made to produce ideal female and male roles has plagued the expectations of individuals. American culture has conditioned men and women to fit certain criteria according to their gender. Particularly, societal norms dictate how one should behave and dress appropriately. Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird and Go Set a Watchman recognize the opposing standards between the men and women of the South. Due to the importance of gender roles in Maycomb, Alabama, patriarchal values are prevalent and active in the white community. As a result, women are expected to maintain domesticity, display proper etiquette, and submit to the requests of men. Yet, protagonist Jean Louise “Scout” Finch challenges gender stereotypes through

The expectations of Jean Louise, Calpurnia and Alexandra significantly differ from Atticus and Jem. There are various occasions where a male reminds a female of her status. Regardless of age, males have authority over females due to their masculine advantage. For example, Jem, Jean Louise’s brother, criticizes her when she refuses to partake in his plans, saying "Scout, I'm tellin' you for the last time, shut your trap or go home—I declare to the Lord you're gettin' more like a girl every day!" (Lee, Mockingbird 51-52). Jem’s statement evidently shows that being compared to a female is a form of an insult. Scout’s response demonstrates that males have a higher status when she states“With that, I had no option but to join them” (Lee, Mockingbird 52). Stefanovici explains: “…the implication is that boys are courageous and non-fearful and girls are weak and afraid. Nevertheless, what is most important in the scene is Scout’s reaction. Knowing that being called a girl is an insult and that being female is valued less than being male in her small Southern town, she suddenly becomes brave in order to remain acceptable to her brother”