Gender Roles In Harry Potter By J. K. Rowling

Anne Collins works to interpret the writings of J.K. Rowling and thus prove that the novels within the Harry Potter series are indeed not sexist. It is argued that Rowling works to reimagine every day terms such as love and power and consider such topics in new and exciting ways that in fact do not reflect a world filled with sexism. Within the wizarding world, while there is a representation of traditional and modern women in the sense of gender roles, in no way do Rowling’s characters reflect such women to be weak or powerless. Instead it is the love placed on Harry Potter by Lily Potter that proves to be the most powerful spell throughout the entire series. Of course, there are other characters that redefine the image of a traditional feminist,
In doing so, Rowling understands that women who choose to take on a more traditional role within the household, do indeed exist and should therefore be represented. In doing so, Rowling still showcases those characters in ways that work to further define such a role. For example, Molly Weasley does choose to stay home with her seven children and raise them. However, she in no way is a traditional housewife. Molly is involved within the Order of the Phoenix and demands absolute respect from all around her. This is interesting in comparison to her husband, Arthur Weasley, who is easy going to the point that it is clear that without Molly, he really wouldn't know the difference between the wizarding world equivalent of a rubber duck or “eckeltricity”. Within the Weasley family, Molly truly is in charge. This is in comparison to families like the Dursleys or the Malfoys. It is Petunia Dursley that so often appears in support of her husband, only after Dudley of course. And yet, Petunia on multiple occasions is seen as powerful enough within the relationship in order to take a stance and have it be respected within her family. One of which takes place within the Order of the Phoenix as she receives a letter from Dumbledore stating that Harry must leave Privet Drive. Her stance is respected by the entire household and Harry does stay. Beyond this, the Dursleys
Liberal feminism as presented by Collier through the work of many other writers, argues “Liberal feminism… holds the once-controversial view that women are people-that is , intelligent, autonomous beings-and should be treated as such” (Collier, pg. 83). She then continues in distinguishing this as “first-wave feminism” as it came to being first in the 18th century in part due to the teachings of the Enlightenment. The concept of individual rights were rightfully argued to be applied to women as well as men. In contrast is the view of liberal feminism, in which Collier appears to be less taken with. While it does argue that women should be considered as equal beings, and can in turn obtain equal success if given the opportunity, it also ignores the concept of some aspects of life being different than that of men. This can include interests as well as strengths (Collier, pg 83). However, It would seem that Rowling generally takes on the idea of liberal feminism in order to paint all characters as equal.The wizarding world has women headmistresses, healers, etc. Furthermore, Slytherin was even chastised for not having a woman on their team. While there are other ways of being in the world, strictly as a female that liberal feminism cannot explain, Rowling rarely experience this. Perhaps examples