Representation Of Women In Canada Essay

1854 Words8 Pages

Women in Canada have struggled for many years to redefine the roles they play in society, demanding justice and equality. These efforts yet continue to occur through politics, economics, law, and literature, all to gain formal equality. Women eventually turned to feminist literature realizing that legal, political, and institutional modifications will not assist them entirely in the fight for egalitarianism (The Canadian Encyclopedia). The sciences continue to be more male dominated, expecting a fewer number of women to write traditional science fiction literature. However, of all the high-skill professions and arts, literature has probably been the most open to women over the past century. Many women have received literary education, and if necessary they have concealed their gender behind male pseudonyms (Bainbridge, 1082). In literature, feminist authors have emphasized the dominance and oppression of women by men. Research indicates that women prefer feminist works to other forms of literature. Women also gravitate towards fictional protagonists who exhibit traditional feminine values; warm loving characters who display sensitivity and …show more content…

Nonetheless, traditionally, science fiction had begun as a promotion of positive attitudes towards progress in science and technology. According to research, as the number of female authors in science fiction grows, this influx may not be a result of encouraging physical science and technology. Instead it seems to have a continual growth in social advocacy rather than technical competence. The new wave of feminist literature is a way to attack the traditional sex roles addressed in society. Feminist science fiction has helped women raise awareness and has created discussion in the public regarding the disadvantages of contemporary sex roles and consideration of options for the future (Bainbridge,