Portrayal of Women in the Sitcom “Modern Family”
Defne Su Özcan
The portrayal of women on TV has been a long-lasting discussion. As social norms as well as popular culture evolve and shift, the depiction of women also evolves. The 2009 debut “Modern Family”, is a sitcom that not only explores the complexities of modern family dynamics but also questions gender norms and provides an accurate representation of women in the modern world. The series revolves around the Dunphy, Prichett, and Tucker families which all have complex family structures. The family starts with Jay Pritchett who is married to Gloria Pritchett -a strong independent Latino woman who raised his son Manny alone-, the father of Claire Dunphy and Mitchell Pritchett. Claire is married to Phill Dunphy and has 3 kids: Haley, Alex, and Luke Dunphy. Mitchell on the other hand is gay and married to Cameron Tucker and the couple adopted Lily from Vietnam. There are examples of LGBTQ, mental health struggles caused by societal pressure, Latinx, women in power, adoption, and step-parenting representations throughout the series.
In the series, we can see many mental health struggles by women caused by the societal pressure they are experiencing. The first example of this is Alex Dunphy who defines herself solely based on her accomplishments and academic validation. She thinks she does not fit society’s beauty standards and thinks of her only as the “gifted and smart one” as everyone else considers her in that way. Her struggles are mostly portrayed as emotional breakdowns such as on her birthday right before the SAT or her fierce actions to the reaction of her failures. Alex’s character is deepened using the Dunphy family dynamics. The relationship between Alex and Haley contributes to her portrayal of her mental struggles caused by her relationship with her parents and siblings.
In addition to mental health struggles, Modern Family includes a diverse range of female characters who challenge traditional gender roles and showcase the empowerment of women in various aspects of life. One of the main characters is Gloria Pritchett, Jay’s wife. Gloria is far off from the stereotypical Latina woman often seen in the media. While she embraces her cultural identity, Gloria is portrayed as a strong, and independent woman who defies society’s expectations. Her background as a successful businesswoman challenges the stereotype that Latina women are submissive. By presenting Gloria as a dynamic character with aspirations and a strong personality, "Modern Family" contributes to a more authentic representation of diverse women in our modern world.
Claire Dunphy is another female character defying the traditional roles of women by being a woman in a powerful position. Modern Family strategically presents Claire Dunphy as a dynamic character who deals with the complexities of both her domestic life as a mother of three and her professional life as an authority figure in her job. Claire is not confined by society’s expectations that limit women to solely maternal roles. Instead, the series depicts her as a competent, assertive, and successful professional, in other words a successful figure in the corporate world. Claire's character challenges the stereotype often presented in the media, where women are portrayed as either stay-at-home mothers or career-focused cold-hearted professionals. Claire balancing a high-level job while still being a caring mother for her three kids showcases the multilayered nature of being a woman in the modern world. Also by highlighting Claire's accomplishments and assertiveness in her professional life, Modern Family empowers women in an inspirational way.
Additionally, the series includes an LGBTQ+ representation through the characters Mitchell Pritchett and Cameron Tucker. Mitchell, a lawyer, and Cameron, a stay-at-home dad, live far from the traditional gender norms of male figures who work and don’t take care of the children. They also provide a unique lens into LGBTQ+ parenting by sharing their day-to-day lives while balancing their parenting responsibilities with each other. Cameron's role challenges stereotypes associated with masculinity, showcasing a gay man embracing parental responsibilities. This also highlights the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community. Incorporating LGBTQ+ characters into the narrative, the show not only promotes inclusivity but also fosters a broader understanding of the various roles and identities within the modern family structure.
In conclusion, Modern Family stands out as a sitcom, pushing the boundaries of traditional gender roles and offering a multilayered portrayal of women in the modern world. The series not only dives deep into the complexities of contemporary family dynamics but also challenges societal norms, providing an accurate representation of women. Through its diverse set of characters, including Alex and Claire Dunphy, Gloria Pritchett, and LGBTQ+ couple Mitchell Pritchett and Cameron Tucker, the show explores various facets of modern-day family dynamics and women's lives and experiences.