The Politics of the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Gender, Power, and Agency in Narrative

Abstract

This panel interrogates the politics of gender in the cultural space of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With its massively popular reach and influence, the MCU is uniquely situated to shape and communicate powerful messages about gender, agency, and feminism to global audiences. These papers take up issues of political theory from a gendered lens, such as redefining agency and responsibility or examining the gendered differences in agency and ambition portrayed by superheroes; they also examine the use of sardonic humor as a politically radical way to combat sexism. The politics of “girl power” postfeminism are critiqued and contrasted with Second Wave feminist ideals of care, collaboration and community, and girlhood is explored as a site of serious political work, particularly in expanding notions of representation and dealing with intergenerational trauma. Together, they reveal the important political potential of this pop culture phenomenon and examine the ways in which we can make sense of the MCU’s gender politics. The study of popular culture is often considered unserious within the academe, and yet this arena connects to so many individuals, especially through visual narratives. The Marvel Cinematic Universe, a hegemonic franchise, remains uniquely situated as a multipart narrative with different forms of cultural artifacts reaching distinct audiences. This universe has evolved over time, integrating more of a diversity of voices both in front of and behind the camera. We explore the ideas communicated through these cultural artifacts, with a focus on the gendered dimensions of these ideas. The five papers take up distinct lines of analysis—from the superheroes in Black Widow, The Avengers, and She Hulk to the agency of The Eternals, or the complexity of having and using superpowers. The scope of the panel stretches from the initial films in the MCU to the most recent Disney+ television series.

Title	Details
Drop the A, Just Thena: Gods, Agency, and Responsibility in the Ever-Expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe	View Paper Details
She-Hulk, Feminism Sardonic	View Paper Details
Girlhood in the Marvel Cinematic Universe	View Paper Details
Power and Gender: The Twisting Paths for Female Heroes and Superheroes	View Paper Details