A Research on the Change of Female Characters Portrayed in Science Fiction Films and Its Social Influences

Abstract—The content of science fiction films is the artistic reflection to society reality, and they are the proper context to discuss the future living situation of human beings. Under the assumption of science fiction topic, the relationship between genders is required to be re-evaluated and redefined from a new perspective in the contemporary generation. In the recent market of science fiction films, the majority of the total is produced by western countries and then exhibited globally. Therefore, this essay uses classic English-speaking science fiction films as the research sample to review the depiction of female characters during their development history. This essay will clarify the changes in the positioning and performance of female characters in this genre of film through horizontal and vertical comparisons, and also contrast this change to several feminism trends to explore the reflection and feedback of the sci-fi film as a social and cultural phenomenon on the reality of the western world. Meanwhile, on this basis, this essay will also discuss how sci-fi films can guide and change the audience in a practical way, for example, showing positive female images to help more women to break the stereotype and actively participate in science-related work or study.

Index Terms—Female characters, feminism, gender, science fiction films.

Wenjia Tang is with University College London, United Kingdom (e-mail: wenjia.tang.18@ucl.ac.uk).

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Cite: Wenjia Tang, "A Research on the Change of Female Characters Portrayed in Science Fiction Films and Its Social Influences," International Journal of Culture and History vol. 5, no. 4, pp. 14-18, 2019.