Feminist theory
According to Crossman, "Feminist theory is a major branch of sociology that shifts its assumptions, analytical lens and topical focus away from the male viewpoint and experience toward that of women. In doing so, feminist theory shines a light on social problems, trends and issues that are otherwise overlooked or misidentified by the historically dominant male perspective within social theory"(Crossman).
below is a short preview of the book.
In the vanishing half, Brit Bennet uses a feminist lens to illustrate how women are constrained by patriarchal structures. Through characters like Desiree and Stella, Bennet shows how women's choices are often limited by societal expectations, leading them to navigate oppressive relationships, endure harsh judgments for their choices and sometimes, compromise their true identity in order to survive a world that devalues them.
Women endure oppressive relationships due to societal expectations.
Desiree remains in an abusive relationship with Sam because the society expects her to endure and stay silent. Bennet describes one act of abuse Desiree experienced, "Sam's hand smashed hot against her mouth. She was twenty-four years old. She had never been slapped before"(Bennett 18). This moment shows how Desiree becomes trapped by gender expectations. Desiree decision to stay in the abusive marriage was not out of love but societal pressure that expected her to be a good wife and keep her family together. This reflects how patriarchy teaches women to endure rather than escape it.
Women are judged harshly for the choices they make
When Desiree finally escapes her marriage and returns to Mallard with her daughter Jude, she is met with criticism and judgments instead of support. Adele says, "You come from God knows where, dragging a child that doesn't look one lick like you"(Bennett 28). This shows how women are harshly judged when they step outside traditional roles, whether by leaving a man or raising a child alone. Desiree is punished for choosing her freedom. The community gossip about her especially because her daughter is dark skinned, which challenges Mallard's obsession with whiteness. This reveals how women especially black women, face multiple layers of judgment for their choices.
Women compromise their identity in order to survive
Stella's decision to pass as white shows the extreme lengths society pushes women to go, just for safety. Desiree says, "Stella had lived white for half her life now, and maybe acting for that long ceased to be acting altogether"(Bennett 79). Stella gives up her black identity and connection with her family just to be accepted by white society. She gains wealth and safety but loses herself in the process. This is a clear example of how patriarchy and racism pressures women to change their identity and to perform a gender role in order to fit in the society and survive. A real-life example from Fola, she shares, “I am a dark-skinned woman, and that comes with its own set of disadvantages that affect my safety, my health, my career, and much more” (Fola). This statement shows the challenges black women endure and it highlights Stella's decision, though painful, can be understood as a form of survival in a system that privileges whiteness.
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