Season 1 Episode 8 of the Vampire Diaries “162 Candles” Analyzed with the Sex Role Perspective

  • Resisting or Reinforcing Femininity Stereotypes Examples:
    • Lexi, Stefan’s vampire best friend, comes in town for his birthday. Lexi is an assertive, strong woman who does not fall prey to Damon’s manipulative ways. While Damon attempts to manipulate her, Lexi quickly shuts him down and threatens him to leave her alone, leaving Damon taken back. Lexi is resisting the femininity stereotype that women are easily flustered and flattered by men, and she represents a strong sense of independency. 
    • Jenna, Elena’s aunt, is dumped and is visibly upset over her ex. Jenna states “I’m wallowing, I’m dumped”. Jenna’s interests does not extend past her relationships with men. This reinforces the femininity stereotype that women only care about their romantic relationships with men. 
  • Resisting or Reinforcing Masculinity Stereotypes Examples
  • Matt Donovan is the golden boy of Mystic Falls. In the beginning of the episode, you can tell he is visibly dismayed by the loss of his sister. Additionally, Matt Donovan takes care of Caroline while she is drunk, showing signs of compassion and empathy for the girls in his life.  Matt Donovan’s care for Caroline and his sister represents how he resists the masculinity stereotype of constantly having to act uninvolved in his emotions. 

Shared by: Alexis Masino
Image Credit: https://vampirediaries.fandom.com/wiki/162_Candles