The strong female lead: Postfeminist representation of women and femininity in Netflix shows

Abstract

This chapter analyzes four original Netflix shows with strong female leads. We discuss the representation of women and femininity in these shows in the context of postfeminist media culture. We find evidence that women in the strong female lead category are considered strong for their performance of masculinity, which is viewed positively as a strength, and not for their femininity, seen negatively as a sign of weakness. We call the shows in which women perform masculinity in order to convey strength "strap-on" shows. We argue that a better way to represent women is to recode attributes such as softness, sensitivity, emotionality and gentleness as positive qualities rather than weaknesses. © The Author(s) 2020.