Evaluate the relevance of Van Zoonens theory of gender to a Long Form Television Drama

(10 Marks)

Van Zoonens theory, is that gender is performative, this is when gender is categorised by what you do than
what you are. The television dramas that we are studying are House of Cards (H.O.C) & Borgen. This theory
can apply to both dramas as a result of how gender roles play a big part in both programmes. The main
concept behind Van Zoonens theory is the idea of feminism.

The theory is relevant and supported in H.O.C when Zoe arrives at Franks house wearing a tight dress
trying to get his attention, this is emphasised with the use of close ups. This supports the theory as it is
stereotypical for women to be objectified in this manner, moreover, Zoe is playing to the performative part
of Van Zoonens theory as she is performing to the seductive way in which women are stereotypically
perceived, emphasising the relevance that the theory plays in Long Form Television Dramas. Similarly, in
Borgen, the journalist flirts with the politicians in the debate however, she does this unwillingly and is told
to by the producers. This showcases the relevance of Van Zoonens theory as portrays the patriarchy and
oppression part of the feminist theory in Van Zoonens theory of gender.

On the other hand, the theory is not supported in H.O.C. This can be seen in the character of Claire, we get
the impression that Claire is manipulative and controlling to get power, this is apparent in the scene when
Frank comes home from work agitated and Claire pushes him more and more. This is a countertype of what
a female usually does as they are not stereotypically controlling and in relation to Van Zoonens theory,
Claire is not performing like a woman is stereotypically supposed to. Additionally, in Borgen, Bridgette is a
countertype of the theory as she is shown to be a strong independent woman. This is shown when she
ends her support for the Labour party in an interview, she was told not to by her campaign manager (who
is a man), but does it anyway as its what she believes is the right thing to do and this indicates that she
does not conform to men which is a countertype of what women are thought to do.

Overall, the theory does not have a big relevance to an extent in Long Form Television Dramas as the
majority of the main characters (mainly the females) do not follow the stereotype of what their gender
should be this being seen with Claire and Bridgette. However, the males do support theory as both Frank in
H.O.C and the leader of the Labour party strive for power and do it by any means necessary which is
stereotypical of what a male does. They stereotypically are controlling and powerful especially in
parliament. This could be the reason why Bridgette is such a countertype as it is not usual that women are
seen in parliamentary power. The tables are beginning to turn as more women are seen to have this power
(mostly in Europe) with the like of Theresa May, Angela Merkel and Nicola Sturgeon being some examples
of powerful women in politics.