An Analysis of Gender Roles and Power Dynamics in the Film “The Proposal”: A Sociological Perspective Approach

Yawen Tan

doi:10.54254/2753-7064/2025.LC26602

Communications in Humanities ResearchOpen access

An Analysis of Gender Roles and Power Dynamics in the Film “The Proposal”: A Sociological Perspective Approach

Research Article

Open Access

An Analysis of Gender Roles and Power Dynamics in the Film “The Proposal”: A Sociological Perspective Approach

Yawen Tan ^1*

¹ New York University

^*Corresponding author: tiffanytan0134@gmail.com

Published on 9 September 2025

CHR Vol.76

ISSN (Print): 2753-7072

ISSN (Online): 2753-7064

ISBN (Print): 978-1-80590-146-4

ISBN (Online): 978-1-80590-284-3

Download Cover

Abstract

This study aims to explore the changes in gender roles and power dynamics in modern society, particularly by analyzing the case of the film The Proposal to investigate gender inequality in heterosexual relationships. Despite increased focus on gender equality, gender roles remain unevenly distributed in society, especially in the family and workplace. In particular, this study analyzes the transformation of gender roles and power structures in the film,thus exploring the changes in women’s positions and their sociological significance. Through literature review and case studies, it interprets the gender dynamics in the film through sociological theory, and using statistical data to define traditional gender roles. The results show that by reversing traditional gender roles, the film highlights the persistence of gender inequality in modern society and reflects the innovative transformation of power structures. Thus, it may provide new insights into understanding the evolution of gender roles and emphasizes the challenges and opportunities gender equality faces in practice.

Keywords:

Gender Role Transformation, Gender Inequality, Power Dynamics, Sociological Perspective, The Proposal

View PDF

References

[1]. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). American Time Use Survey-2023 Results. https: //www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/atus.pdf

[2]. Legislation.gov.uk. (1975) Sex Discrimination Act 1975. https: //www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1975/65/enacted

[3]. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). Selected demographic characteristics. U.S. https: //www.bls.gov/opub/reports/womens-databook/2022/

[4]. Zhang, W. and Wang, Y. (2023). The Impact of Gender Roles and Gender Stereotypes on Sports Participation and Performance. Advances in Psychology, 13(5), 1799-1805.

[5]. Blau, F.D. and Kahn, L.M. (2017). The gender wage gap: Extent, trends, and explanations. Journal of Economic Literature, 55(3), 789-865.

[6]. Torres, A.J.C., et al. (2024). The Impact of Motherhood on Women’s Career Progression: A Scoping Review of Evidence-Based Interventions. Behavioral Sciences, 14(4), 275.

[7]. Klesment, M. and Bavel, J. (2022). Women’s Relative Resources and Couples’ Gender Balance in Financial Decision-Making. European Sociological Review, 38(5), 739-753.

[8]. Colque Romero, N. (2023). Media representation of the new Disney princesses: Portrayal of gender roles. University of Oklahoma Graduate College.

[9]. Light, J. (2024). What is the Bechdel test and how will it help your writing?. No Film School. https: //nofilmschool.com/bechdel-test

[10]. Wang, Z. and Guan, J. (2024). The change and continuity of gender stereotypes? Evidence from content, methodology, and impact. Advances in Psychological Science, 32(6), 939-950.