CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Feminist theory aims to interrogate inequalities and inequities along the

intersectional lines of ability, class, gender, race, sex, and sexuality, and feminists seek to
effect change in areas where these intersectionalities create power inequity. Feminist
theory falls under the umbrella of critical theory, which in general have the purpose of
destabilizing systems of power and oppression. Feminist theory will be discussed here as a
theory with a lower case, however this is not meant to imply that it is not a Theory or cannot
be used as one, only to acknowledge that for some it may be a sub-genre of Critical Theory,
while for others it stands alone. According to Egbert and Sanden (2020). You are a feminist
if you think women ought to have the same economic, social, and political rights as men.
The word "feminist" seems self-evident and can be taken for granted. It has turned into a
barrier to comprehending feminism in all its variations and distinctions as well as its
uniqueness. Feminist histories that view feminism as a social movement typically focus on
documenting the movement's ups and downs and prioritizes this over any examination of the
movement's intellectual content. Feminist research and theory can be applied across
disciplines and uses a range of methods - from quantitative and qualitative data collection to
arts-based approaches (Harris and Leavy, 2019; Leung et al., 2019). If the appearance of the
social movement is taken to represent the apotheosis and privileged form of feminism, then
the investigation of feminist history is severely constrained. Intersectionality is a critical
concept that recognizes how individual hold multiple identities, forming an intersectional
identity that faces unique challenges at the intersections of those identities. Understanding
intersectionality is a cornerstone in fostering inclusivity and equality for all individuals,
especially those facing numerous forms of oppression.
One of the significant reasons why gender is essential is it acknowledges and
addresses long-held beliefs and gender stereotypes that perpetuate inequality between men
and women. Feminism is generally understood to be a movement that aims to achieve
complete gender equality in both law and practice, as well as to eradicate sexism, sexist
exploitation, and oppression. It believes in equal rights and opportunities for men and
women. A wide range of social theories, political movements, and moral ideologies make up
feminism. Some versions criticize social relations from the past and today. Many
concentrate on examining what they consider to be socially constructed concepts of
sexuality and gender. Many concentrate on researching gender inequity and advocating for
the rights, concerns, and interests of women. Social divisions like communalism and
casteism usually divide society and enhance inequality while feminism talks about equality.
Enhancing women power will make our society stronger.
 Eliminating the numerous matrilineal civilizations that existed around the world and
replacing them with Western patriarchy was one of the cultural erasures carried out by
imperialism. The core tenet of feminism is that since women make up half of the global
population, real social development cannot be made without their full and unplanned
participation. The lack of representation and underappreciation of women of color's
experiences in the feminist movement is a serious problem. Many contend that the
experiences of white, middle-class women have always been the main emphasis of
mainstream feminism, ignoring the particular difficulties that Black, Indigenous, and other
racial and ethnic women endure.

Evidently, he film illustrates Southern African-American maids’ views of their

employers during the Jim Crow era, focusing on Skeeter Phelan’s journey to document their
experiences. Aibileen and Minny’s strong performances dominate, while Skeeter’s evolving
insight leads to a poignant revelation about her missing nanny. "The Help" follows Skeeter
Phelan, a young white woman aspiring to write who seeks to empower African American
maids by documenting their experiences. The film exposes their struggles and interactions
with employers, aiming to inspire empathy and dialogue about racial equality during a
transformative era. The Help takes place between the summers of 1962 and 1964 in Jackson,
Mississippi. Set against the backdrop of the civil rights movement, the novel focuses on a
reckoning on race and segregation in a far more intimate sphere than the national stage: the
home. Alternating between the perspectives of two Black maids, Aibileen and Minny, and
one white woman, Skeeter, who’s mourning the disappearance of her own maid, The
Help shows how personal prejudices and racist government policies influence each other to
the detriment of everyone. This has to do with how Black feminist theories of
intersectionality, which arose from Critical Race scholarship and grassroots action, have
been appropriated as "feminist" theory, where feminist is always preconstructed as white.
The additive intersectionality that the white-led feminist sector practices supports structural
inequalities, including white supremacy.

This study will challenge the intersectionality in the film utilized to spark
conversations about social class, racism, ethnicity, and intersectionality. The most
appropriate way to describe intersectionality is that it focuses on the distinct disadvantages
associated with belonging to multiple identity categories. Intersectionality describes how
different social identity categories intersect, creating unique forms of disadvantage and
discrimination for individuals. A concept known as intersectionality acknowledges that
people have several identities that interact and affect how they are perceived, treated, and
comprehended.
Material and Methods

This study is grounded in feminist theory, and it will use the film The Help by
Kathryn Stockett to discuss problems with the intersection of race and gender. Additionally,
it will be done thematically, using information and themes derived from the film's various
segment to demonstrate the racial inequality depicted in the film. This thesis examines the
theme of female empowerment in Kathryn Stockett's the Help. The study sheds the light on
the importance of women solidarity and sisterhood in facing the triple jeopardy of racism,
sexism, and classism. The aim of this study is twofold. First, it examines how racism,
sexism, and classism affect the life of women and what does it mean to be oppressed as a
woman. Second, the study focuses on how women can support and care for each other to
change their position in the society. The two approaches that are used to conduct this study
are feminist and womanist approaches. The implementation of these approaches describes
woman's unity in fighting oppression, and challenging the patriarchal. This thesis finds out
how female empowerment can change a misfortune and can help women to voice their
reality. This also topic demonstrates how racial identity and socioeconomic status can
contribute to discrimination. We use of social class, intrinsic and extrinsic theory, and the
theory of discrimination. We use library research techniques and supplementary materials,
including books, journals, e-books, and online articles, to analyze the topic. Also this study
use to gather information regarding the discrimination Black maids face in the film The
Help and how they bravely share their experiences working with white people.
 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Studies and literature that are necessary to the study are covered in this chapter. It
includes books, journals, articles, and other materials with theories, concepts, information,
and research that aid in the creation and justification of this investigation.

Review of Related Literature

Through describing the scene, identifying important ideas and theories, assessing
previous studies, expanding on existing information, and preventing recurrence this served
as a basis for the current investigation. This promoted knowledge progress and helped
establish the study.

Gender Studies

A rapidly developing interdisciplinary topic, gender studies explores the many and
varied aspects of gender identity and how it affects societal structures, cultural norms, and
personal experiences. In reaction to feminist movements, it was developed in order to
examine gender in greater detail and to comprehend the complex ways in which it interacts
with other social identities. Fundamentally, gender studies questions the idea that gender is a
fixed, innate trait that is exclusively influenced by biological sex. Rather, it asserts that
gender is a social construct that is influenced by historical factors, cultural norms, and
societal expectations. This indicates that masculinity and femininity are flexible ideas that
differ among cultures and historical periods rather than being permanent characteristics.

Feminist Studies

Inequalities and inequities along the intersecting lines of ability, class, gender,
racism, sex, and sexuality are currently the focus of feminist theory, and feminists work to
improve the ways in which these intersectionalities give rise to power disparities. They can
become aware of injustices and strive to change unhealthy dynamics in any situation by
engaging in intellectual and scholarly discourse about these disparities. Focusing on gender
politics, power dynamics, and sexuality, feminist theory seeks to comprehend the nature of
gender inequality. Additionally, feminism is founded on experiences with gender norms and
relationships. Issues including equitable pay, maternity leave, domestic abuse, sexual
harassment, discrimination, and sexual violence are frequently addressed by feminist
political activism. Feminism addresses issues such as oppression, objectification, sexual
objectification, stereotyping, and patriarchy.

A. Intersectionality

The study of intersectionality examines the complex way oppressive systems

are produced by the interaction of multiple social categories, including race, class,
gender, ability, sexual orientation, religion, caste, age, and nationality. The
significance of intersectionality comes from its recognition that every individual has
a distinct experience of oppression and prejudice. The intricacy of social identities
and how they influence interactions with society systems are also more understood
because to it.

The Help

The Help explores racism as a subject. However, because several of the white
characters in the film Racism isn't presented as being particularly frightening, and people
can still treat Black people with kindness. Additionally, the comedy interwoven with the
drama of racism is conveyed by a number of characters in this film. Furthermore, the film
appears to draw attention to the fact that the racism portrayed here is primarily domestic,
particularly between white employers and black servants. The film's fairly hopeful
conclusion has drawn criticism for giving viewers a fictitious sense of hope. It disregards
the systemic aspect of racism and the continuous fight for racial justice by implying that
racial peace can be attained through random acts of kindness. This supports the notion that
advancement is possible without questioning the fundamental systems of privilege and
power. In conclusion, the way that race and gender are portrayed in the movie "The Help"
has drawn both praise and criticism. Although it has brought attention to the hardships faced
by Black women during the Civil Rights era, it also reinforces negative stereotypes and
oversimplifies a complicated historical moment. It's critical to respond to these criticisms
and look for more inclusive and nuanced viewpoints on Black women's experiences.

Review of Related Study

Feminism is describe as “an ideology that demands an equal right of men and
women in terms of politics, decision making, career, and having children. It consists of a
number of social, cultural and political movements that take attempts for equal rights of men
and women” (Asnani, 2020). It is considered as a struggle to achieve same rights,
opportunities and dignity as men have in the society (Raj & Davidson, 2014). Feminist
research and theory can be applied across disciplines and uses a range of methods - from
quantitative and qualitative data collection to arts-based approaches (Harris and Leavy,
2019; Leung et al., 2019). At the heart of the different theoretical approaches to feminism, is
the relationship between gender and power: of shifting, transforming, and re-distributing
power at multiple and intersecting levels - all of which is foundationally intertwined with
efforts to end violence against women and girls (Batliwala, 2020).

Feminism is a collection of movements and ideologies that want to establish

and defend equal cultural, political, economic, and social rights; and legal protection for
women in all regions of society. For example, feminism takes attempts to establish equal
opportunities for women in education and employment [Stanley & Wise, 2015; Day &
Wray, 2018; Jain, 2020]. Several dictionaries have defined “feminism” as “a doctrine that
aims to improve the position of women”. In many cases feminine are socially and culturally
devalued, and men enjoy greater access to scarce and valued social resources [Guimaraes,
2017]. It does not believe that women are superior, even does not hate men, and does not
support male oppression. It only aims to achieve and establish equality between women and
men [Cole & Symes, 2020]. Debra Jackson has mentioned that “feminism was born as a
response to oppression” [Jackson, 2019]. In the society, women express themselves as
humanist feminists, radical feminists, socialist feminists, separatist feminists, liberal
feminists, democrat feminists, and so on [Rajan & Kalbhor, 2018]. The feminist theory is as
like the ideal in the background of motherhood. It aims to understand the nature of gender
inequality by examining women’s social roles and lived experiences [Stanley & Wise,
2018]. It highlights the importance of reflexivity, situated standpoints, power differentials,
and openness to the type of flexibility that is implied by methodological self-consciousness
[Hordge-Freeman, 2018]. It also tries to advance the health and security of women in all
steps of society [Phillips, 2015].
Synthesis

The concept of feminism reflects a history of different struggles, and the term has
been interpreted in fuller and more complex ways as understanding has develop. It has
turned into a barrier to comprehending feminism in all its variations and distinctions as well
as its uniqueness. Feminist histories that view feminism as a social movement’s typically
focus on documenting the movement’s ups and downs and prioritizes this over any
examination of movement’s intellectual content. If the appearance of social movement is
taken to represent the apotheosis and privileged form of feminism, then the investigation is
severely constrained. In general, feminism can be seen as movement to put an end to
sexism, sexist, exploitation, and oppression and to achieve full gender equality in law and in
practice.
 CHAPTER III

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

In order to provide a thorough grasp of the main patterns, trends, and connections
found, this chapter attempts to provide the data in an understandable and well-structured
way. This chapter fills the gap between unprocessed data and insightful conclusions by
using descriptive context and analytical conversations. In order to ensure that the analysis is
critically evaluated within the framework of the study, it focuses on the objectives. In order
to present a comprehensive viewpoint, this chapter also emphasizes important findings and
their ramifications while tying them to previously published works. By doing this, the study
not only adds to the corpus of knowledge but also lays the groundwork for the conclusions
and suggestions covered in later chapters.

A. CHALLENGING THE INTERSECTIONALITY IN THE FILM THE HELP BY

KATHRYN STOCKETT

Define intersectionality, and connect to the topics. "The Help," a poignant film set in
the racially charged South of the 1960s, offers a powerful lens through which to examine
key themes relevant to feminist theory. While the movie centers on the struggles of white
women navigating a patriarchal society, its most significant contribution to feminist
discourse lies in its exploration of the intersectionality of race and gender. The distinct and
cruel persecution that Black women endured in the Jim Crow South is depicted in the film
with great detail. The story's white ladies struggle with sexism of their own, but when
compared to their Black counterparts' struggles, their privilege is starkly obvious. This
striking contrast draws attention to the crucial idea of intersectionality, which is central to
modern feminist theory. The concept of intersectionality acknowledges that women's
experiences are influenced by the intricate interactions between their various identities
rather than being singular. The fight between the Black women's fight to recover their
agency and autonomy and the white women's desire to reveal racial injustice is the main
source of tension in the movie. Despite their good intentions, the white women frequently
play the role of savior, which could reinforce the very power structures they are trying to
challenge. The tension between white feminism's emphasis on attaining equality for white
women and the demand for a more inclusive feminist movement that acknowledges the
unique needs and experiences of women of color is best illustrated by this conflict. The
film's emphasis on the lives of Black women is arguably its most powerful feature. The
video challenges the conventional narrative of white women as the only victims of sexism
and grants them agency by letting them share their opinions and tell their own tales.
Feminist theory, which emphasizes the value of giving voice to oppressed people, strongly
aligns with this. "The Help" highlights the lengthy history of Black women standing up for
equality and their rights, frequently against racism and discrimination. The study of The
Help is a potent reminder that real feminist advancement necessitates acknowledging the
nuanced realities of women's lives and striving for a day when all women can prosper
without being constrained by structural injustice. The movie forces us to abandon easy fixes
and adopt a more intersectional strategy for feminist activism that puts the perspectives and
experiences of those who have historically been marginalized front and center. We can strive
toward a feminist future that genuinely takes into account the needs and experiences of all
women by opposing the current quo and promoting a more just and equitable society.

EVIDENCE

We look at particular scenes and character experiences to show how the maids' lives
are shaped by race and gender, emphasizing their particular kinds of oppression and
resistance. In order to offer a more profound comprehension of the film's representation, the
analysis will also include academic viewpoints on intersectionality.

This is after she takes a look at Minny and in typical Skeeter overshare, decides
Minny’s ten times blacker than Aibileen. I clear my throat, produce a nervous smile. Minny
doesn’t smile back. She is fat and short and strong. Her skin is blacker than Aibileen’s by
ten shades, and shiny and taut, like a pair of new patent shoes. – Skeeter’s first impression
of Minny (Pg 164 )
Theme 1: Intersectionality

Intersectionality, a concept coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, describes the

interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender, creating
overlapping systems of discrimination or disadvantage. In the context of "The Help," it
examines how the experiences of Black maids are shaped by the simultaneous impact of
racial prejudice and gender inequality. Studies on intersectionality highlight how these
intersecting systems of power create unique forms of oppression that are not simply the sum
of individual biases.

(Other Sources) Collins makes the case that Black feminist thought is the language that
supports Black women's survival, tenacity, and achievement in the face of adversity by
tracing the ideas and behaviors of Black women throughout history. Collins' timely update
shows that Black women's ideas and actions are not peripheral issues but rather are essential
to the future of social justice in democracies through careful research that synthesizes the
significant intellectual work done by Black women. People who have long worked on social
justice as well as a new generation of readers who are learning about the beliefs and deeds
of Black women for the first time will find resonance in the text's timeless arguments
combined with a prelude and epilogue produced especially for this version.
Theme 2: Gender-Based Violence

Gender-based violence (GBV) encompasses harmful acts directed at an individual or

group based on their gender. This includes physical, sexual, and psychological violence, as
well as threats, coercion, and arbitrary deprivation of liberty. In the context of The Help,
GBV is examined through the lens of the systemic oppression faced by Black women
working as domestic servants in 1960s Mississippi, considering the intersection of race and
gender in shaping their experiences.

(Other Sources) These women's perceptions of service delivery, their experiences offering
support, how provision addresses the requirements of BME women, and whether or not
specific provision is necessary to suit the needs of different women are some of the themes
that dominate the analysis. Through an indepth analysis of provision from the viewpoint of
BME service providers, the study focuses on three BME-specific organizations in the North
West of England where such provision is sparsely distributed. It draws attention to the
difficulties participants encounter in attempting to support BME women who have been
victims of domestic abuse as well as several restrictions imposed on specialized BME
services
 Set in Jackson, Mississippi, "The Help" imagines a world where white writer and
protagonist Skeeter Phelan (Emma Stone) helps Minny Jackson (Octavia Spencer) and
Aibileen Clark (Viola Davis) voice their frustrations without materially altering their
conditions

Theme 3: FEMALE REPRESENTATION

The term "female representation" describes the existence and involvement of women
in a variety of organizations, including the media, government, and commercial sectors,
where they are frequently underrepresented in positions of leadership. Female representation
refers to the presence and involvement of women in various aspects of society, including
politics, business, education, media, and culture. It signifies the importance of ensuring
equal opportunities and access for women to participate and have their voices heard. This
essay will explore the current state of female representation across different sectors,
highlighting the challenges and progress made towards achieving gender equality.
 (Other Sources) This study investigates Kathryn Stockett's The Help's topic of
female empowerment. In addressing the triple jeopardy of racism, sexism, and classism, the
study highlights the significance of women's sisterhood and solidarity. This study has two
objectives. It starts by looking at how racism, sexism, and classism impact women's lives
and what it means to be a woman who is oppressed. The study's second main focus is on
how women can help and support one another to improve their social standing. Feminist and
womanist methods are the two methodologies that are employed in this study. The
application of these strategies demonstrates how women stand together against oppression
and against patriarchy.
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THE UNFAIR FEMALE LABOR: CHALLENGING THE INTERSECTIONALITY
IN THE FILM “THE HELP” BY KATHRYN STOCKETT

A Final Term Paper

Presented to Kirby L. Vertudazo
GenSantos College Foundation, Inc.
General Santos City

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements of the Course
SOCSCI 104 and Gender & Society
 ZYRAH MAE F. ARILLANO
MARILOU S. BASAÑEZ
KRYSTAL MARIE L. LEONOR
JAYSON A. TOMULTO

DECEMBER 06, 2024