Is Nurturing Necessary? A Feminist Post-Structuralist Exploration of Gender Construction in Margaret Atwood’s Picture-Books

• In Event: Roundtable Session 76
  In Roundtable Session: Theoretical Perspectives in Gender and Education

Abstract

Gender constructions in a series of picturebooks by Margaret Atwood, acclaimed author and feminist, appear at first glance to be feminist. Using feminist poststructural theory, however, the paper reveals gender stereotypes and heteronormative family structures, which suggest that some feminist and gendered characteristics are more acceptable for a young audience. By conducting a deep analysis of these picturebooks by an author whose work for adults is labelled feminist, this paper reveals hegemonic ideals about childhood, gender roles, and family structures and begs the question: if texts by celebrated feminists reveal bias, how do other texts - including school texts - fare?

Author

• Rachel Skrlac Lo, University of Pennsylvania