Opposing Patriarchal Attitudes: A Theoretical Framework and Discussion of Sistersong (2022)

Abstract

Myths and legends have been around for centuries. They still serve as a source of inspiration for people around the world. Greek mythology, for example, is one of the greatest sources of inspiration in media. Some of these tales have been affected by patri archal discourse. Patriarchy has intended to sustain its power and influence by infusing its discourse and power structures with mythology, legends and other cultural elements. Therefore, it is important to analyse and study the tales and their rewriting i n relation to the possible patriarchal concepts and strategies they might contain and which may be countered in the rewritings. This thesis offers a theoretical framework on gender and sexual identity, power and its relation with religion and othering and its connection to women in competition. It also offers a discussion of Sistersong (2022), a re imagination of the folk ballad ‘The Twa Sisters’ (ca. mid 17th century) which I have intended to relate to a theoretical framework. Concepts like gender normativity, gender roles and heteronormativity have been infused with the discourse intended to normalise which has been affecting people and society’s norms.

Date of Award	2023
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Ghent University Interuniversitaire Master Gender en Diversiteit
Supervisor	Hannah Van Hove (Promotor) & Elisabeth Bekers (Co-promotor)