Gender Roles in their Eyes were Watching God

The intricate web of relationships within society is often woven through the threads of power dynamics, which are deeply influenced by social norms and constructs surrounding gender. From the dawn of civilization, definitions of masculinity and femininity have played pivotal roles in shaping these dynamics. Judith Herman insightfully notes that "to change something, we must first see it for what it is" (as cited in Flaherty, 2010, p. 225). This idea underscores the necessity of confronting uncomfortable truths to foster change. In this essay, I will explore how traditional gender roles have historically contributed to systems of power and privilege, leading to oppression.

Through an examination of the Victorian Era and literary examples, I aim to highlight how empowerment and social justice can dismantle these oppressive structures.

Gender Roles and Oppression

One cannot overlook the impact of societal gender roles in perpetuating power imbalances. Paulo Freire's assertion that "any situation in which A objectively exploits B or hinders his or her pursuit of self-affirmation is a situation of oppression" (as cited in Dietz, 2000, p. 373) offers a useful lens for understanding the pervasive nature of gender-based oppression. The Victorian Era, a period often romanticized for its refinement, was in fact characterized by stark gender inequality. During this time, marriage was less about love and more about security, often inflicting psychological trauma on women who were treated as objects rather than human beings. The rigid gender norms of this period dictated that women had no public roles and were confined to domestic spheres, primarily to satisfy their husbands’ egos and to bear children (Odubajo, 2017, p. 9224).

Science and religion of the era unjustly portrayed men as rational and competent, while women were seen as passive and incapable of intellectual pursuits. These discriminatory views not only enslaved women psychologically but also justified their subjugation. The cultural indoctrination that men should be aggressive and hardworking while women remain caretakers fosters a dominant-submissive dynamic, which often leaves women feeling powerless.

Literary Reflections on Gender Dynamics

Literature from the period further reflects these oppressive dynamics. In Charlotte Brontë’s "Jane Eyre," Mr. Rochester's relationship with Antoinette is emblematic of patriarchal control. He states, "She’ll not laugh in the sun again" and "She’s mad but mine, mine" (Rhys, 1937, p. 99), revealing his desire to possess and control her rather than allow her autonomy. This mirrors societal norms where a woman's value was tied to her relationship with a man, and her freedom was often curtailed to protect male ego and reputation.

Similarly, in Zora Neale Hurston’s "Their Eyes Were Watching God," the protagonist Janie is pressured by her grandmother, Nanny, to marry Logan Killicks for financial security rather than love. Nanny’s insistence that Janie marry Logan because he has "a house bought and paid for and sixty acres uh land" (Hurston, 1937, p. 23) illustrates how economic considerations often overshadowed personal happiness in matrimonial choices. Women like Nanny, who had experienced slavery and poverty, saw marriage as a means of survival in a world that denied them independent opportunities.

The Psychological Toll of Oppression

The oppressive structures of the Victorian Era had profound psychological impacts on women. The era’s association with lunacy and mental illness underscores the detrimental effects of these societal constraints. Elaine Showalter notes that "female servants were more frequently afflicted with lunacy than any other class of persons" (Showalter, 1980, p. 157), pointing to the strain of living under a patriarchal system. The Lunatics Act of 1845, which mandated asylum care for the poor, further highlights the era's failure to address the root causes of mental distress, namely the oppressive conditions women faced. By 1872, a staggering number of women were institutionalized, often more than men (Showalter, 1980, p. 160), reflecting the unequal burden of societal pressures on women.

Conclusion: The Path to Empowerment and Social Justice

To address the historical and ongoing oppression rooted in gender roles, it is essential to first recognize and challenge these power structures. Empowerment and social justice are key to dismantling the systems that have long favored male dominance at the expense of female autonomy. By advocating for equitable opportunities and redefining societal norms, we can create a more inclusive society that values individuals beyond restrictive gender binaries. Through a nuanced understanding of past injustices, as exemplified in both historical and literary contexts, we can pave the way for a future where power dynamics are based on equality and mutual respect, rather than oppression and control.

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