Season 1 Episode 18 – “Under Control” Analyzed by the Sex Role Perspective
Reinforcing Female Stereotype
Elena goes to Alaric to protect Jeremy, and goes to Damon to help Stefan. Taking the responsibility and initiative to help those she cares about. This showcases Elena’s feminine, compassionate side to care for those she loves, reinforcing the female gender stereotype that women are figures who take care of those in their life.
Matt Donovan’s mother breaks down and confesses to Matt her emotions, crying and showing her distress. She reinforces the stereotype that women are overly emotional and unable to control their emotions.
Reinforcing Male Stereotype
Stefan threatens and pushes a man who accidentally bumps into Elena and speaks to her disrespectfully. It is out of character for Stefan, and showcases an example of men being aggressive to control a situation and reveal who is the “alpha male”. It’s an example of toxic masculinity, reinforcing the masculine stereotype.
John Gilbert comes back to assert his power and control over the Vampire situation in Mystic Falls. Damon and him have conflict and Damon ends up using physical violence against him to gain control (but falls short when he realizes that John cannot be killed). This conflict between them reinforcing the idea that men use aggression to gain dominance in a situation.
Shared by: Alexis Masino
Image Credit: https://vampirediaries.fandom.com/wiki/Under_Control