Little Women, a timeless classic written by Louisa May Alcott in the late 1860s, is still widely beloved today. It is the captivating story of four young sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March, and their relationships and struggles as they grow up in 19th century Massachusetts. Although it is a coming-of-age story, the story also goes much deeper—exploring important themes such as gender roles and family dynamics. In this article, we will explore how Little Women sheds light on gender roles and family dynamics.
Overview of Gender Roles in Little Women
At first glance, Little Women may appear to be a traditional representation of gender roles in 19th century society. The protagonist, Jo March, is a feminist before feminism was an option. Despite her father’s best efforts, her older sister Meg is the ultimate prototype of a “feminine woman,” while her younger sister Amy is considered a line to demarcate proper behavior for young girls. On the other hand, the male characters—namely Jo’s father, John March, Mr. Laurence, and Laurie—all play more traditional role models, such as mentors and guides.
However, upon further examination, one can start to see that while traditional roles are present, they are being challenged. Through its characters and their struggles, Little Women serves as a mirror to its readers; posing questions about gender roles and how they relate to our idea of what is considered normal.
The Characters and Gender
The March family is at the center of the novel, and their dynamics represent the story’s recurring theme of the gender roles and their tensions. Meg, the eldest sister, is a responsible and mature young woman, who is expected to set an example for her younger siblings. She is often seen doing household chores and taking care of her sisters, and is seen as the quintessential “lady” in the household.
Jo, the protagonist and second oldest, expresses a strong desire to escape the roles she is expected to fulfill. Jo can’t accept the idea of being considered “ladylike,” yearning instead to embrace her more masculine side. This conflict is an important one in the narrative, and a large part of her character development. She is a feminist before feminism was an option, and in a stark contrast to Meg, she is a passionate, independent-minded young woman.
Amy, the youngest sister, also has an interesting journey, though it is more subtle in development. Amy is a gentle, feminine young girl, and is often viewed as an embodiment of traditional gender roles by her sisters. As the book progresses, however, she too begins to question and challenge the roles she is expected to fulfill.
The primary male characters, in comparison, have the luxury of wearing any mask that fits the situation. Laurie, Jo’s best friend and neighbor, is seen as easy-going and mysterious by the sisters, yet he is also a responsible and diligent citizen. On one hand, he understands the brothers’ plight as well as the sisters, and he has no particular bias or expectation as to what role he should be playing.
John March, the sisters’ father, is also an interesting study in gender expression. He is a Civil War veteran and is often the source of strength and advice for the family. Although he is the stereotypical male role model, his character actively challenges traditional gender roles by conveying love and empathy, unlike many characters of the time.
Gender and Family Dynamics
Little Women serves to highlight how gender roles and expectations that were common in 19th century society continued to plague even the most liberated families and minds. When Meg finds out she is pregnant, Jo quickly assumes that it is because Meg’s husband did not follow the gender roles. Jo’s assumption is faulty but echoes the pervasive idea that traditional gender roles were integral to the dynamics of a family.
The novel also demonstrates that gender roles, however oppressive and rigid, can change and be challenged when family members stand together in support. Throughout the book, the March family works together to overcome the struggles that come with growing up in 19th century society. The sisters, with their father’s help, learn when to challenge gender roles and when to battle against them. Jo’s marriages to Professor Baer and Laurie (which is never fulfilled) is a perfect example of this—each situation is treated differently as the family comes to terms with the repercussions of such a move.
Little Women remains an inspirational classic to this day. Through its characters and their struggles, the story is able to showcase the struggles that gender roles and expectations can bring to family dynamics. More importantly, it serves as an example of how such roles can be challenged, and how love and understanding can help to bring families closer even in the most difficult of times. Little Women encourages us to question gender roles and to think outside the box when it comes to how we view families and their dynamics.
