Suchergebnisse

An analysis of the 1949 movie, Adam's Rib, shows how "law-films" help to create public perceptions of the law & social issues that can influence off-screen legal systems. It is argued that Adam's Rib provides an opportunity for new public perceptions about women in law while its fictional legal system simultaneously upholds the conventional, patriarchal social order. Although the portrayal of men & women working together to make the world more egalitarian inspires viewers to join in the struggle for women's rights, less obvious mechanisms serve to undermine the initial impression. One example is the re-enforcement of stereotypes through use of a liberal feminist legal argument against "seemingly gender-blind liberal logic" offered by an attractive male. The movie's complex message is discussed in relation to the social implications of Hollywood's conventional treatment of male & female characters. Special attention is given to the importance of communities constituted by films, noting that Adam's Rib does not constitute a community of women either on or off screen. The possible social implications are discussed. 35 References. J. Lindroth