Exploring Traditional and Modern Gender Norms in Caryl Churchill's Owners through a Transformative Gender Perspective

Authors : Kanan Aghasıyev

Pages : 59-77

View : 22 | Download : 22

Publication Date : 2024-05-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Caryl Churchill\'s Owners is a highly successful play, marking her debut in stage drama when it premiered at the Theatre Upstairs of the Royal Court in 1972. The play serves as a satirical exploration of Londoners\' social lives, featuring two couples representing diverse social backgrounds. Marion and Clegg are property owners, while Lisa and Alec portray impoverished tenants dependent on Marion and Clegg\'s actions. Written during the transition between the first and second wave of feminism, the play introduces various female characters from traditional and modern perspectives. Marion, the central character, embodies extreme feminism, breaking away from traditional female norms and adopting a masculine demeanour. In contrast, Lisa, another female character, adheres to the traditional role of a domestic housewife, caring for her husband and children, making her and her newborn baby victims of Marion\'s schemes. The play also introduces three male characters who defy traditional male gender norms. This article delves into how gender norms have evolved through different waves of feminism, starting with an introduction to the playwright, Caryl Churchill. The focus then shifts to Marion\'s extreme female masculinity before exploring the unique male identities of the three male characters compared to traditional masculine standards, leading to a concluding section.
Keywords : Owners, Caryl Churchill, Cinsiyet Dönüşümü, Cinsiyet Rolleri, Aşırı Feminizm, Geleneksel Feminizm, Maskülenlik

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