Freedom and control: automobiles in American women's fiction of the 70s and 80s

Article Abstract:

American women's fiction of the 1970s and 1980s changes the symbolism associated with automobiles. This change reflects the revolution of gender roles in America in the 20th century. Male writers use the automobile as a symbol of male sexuality and power. Women writers also make it symbolize power, but the power to control one's own life rather than power over others. They see skullful driving as a means of freedom, self-mastery, survival, and escape, and depict women drivers as driving in circles unlike the straight-line, goal-oriented path taken by males.

Automobiles, Women and literature, Women in literature

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Mobile heroines: early twentieth-century girls' automobile series

Article Abstract:

Women marked their advancement in the social hierarchy when mass-market publishers started coming up with books that depicted females in motorized vehicles during the early 20th century. Old series in the 1910s also added new volumes that capitalized on the trend in girls' adventure tales. Authors depicted heroines who are adept in technology and can master automobiles and airplanes. In addition, these heroines relish action and adventure.

Feminist literature

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Images of women in Soviet jokes and anecdotes

Article Abstract:

Comparison of stereotypes of men and women in Russian anecdotes and jokes confirms that Soviet women are derided for their bearing and character. Their body and personality are portrayed as drawing male repulsion. They are devoid of the feeling of self-esteem and are devoted to the male. However, the portrayals do not depict their rebellion or their flight from desperate conditions.

Soviet literature

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