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van Zoonen - Prime Suspec
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Drama: Prime Suspect QUESTION: How does ‘Prime Suspect’ reflect the representation of gender in the 1990s? (Liesbet van Zoonen)
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How does ‘Prime Suspect’ reflect the representation of gender in the 1990s? (Liesbetvan Zoonen)
INTRODUCTION:
Feminist media scholar Liesbet van Zoonen proposed the idea that the media constructs
representations of gender roles and identities, which are deeply embedded within the
cultural context which produces them. She argues that media often reinforces gender
stereotypes and that these stereotypes are often oppressive to women. The crime drama
‘Prime Suspect’ was released in the 1990s, illustrating to audiences the challenges of the
female gender in the workplace.
POINT 1: Jane Tennison as Unconventional
Liesbet van Zoonen explains that ‘meaning is… constructed out of the historically and
socially situated negotiation between institutional producers of meaning and audiences…’
These producers have certain ideologies, and values that shape the way they produce
media, and a result of this, many media products would have portrayed men as the hero and
women as the passive Proppian princess. This would have been especially the case before
the first wave feminism occurred, however, constructed meaning still continued to occur to
reinforce traditional gender roles. ‘Prime Suspect’ aims to challenge conventional ideologies
of gender. They show this by having Jane Tennison as the main protagonist, capable and
determined, and being placed in a position of power as DCI. Furthermore, Jane's leadership
of a group of male detectives in a male-dominated environment subverts ideas of female
passiveness that have long been entrenched in society. As leader, she has also become the
Proppian hero. ‘Prime Suspect’ reflects the change in gender roles of women in the 1990s,
as the third wave feminism surged, and women were taking upon valuable roles in the
workforce.
POINT 2: Jane Tennison Challenging Men
Theorist van Zoonen also stated once that ‘the whole idea of society… requires discourse…
which by definition has the effect of excluding… views and positions’. In Jane Tennison’s
battle with sexism, she has shown to be delegitimised from leadership positions. This is
evident in the first episode, when she spoke with Superintendent Kernan asking to take the
leading role of the new case, only to be told that it is ‘not the time to thrust your women's
rights’ down his ‘throat’. In the 1990s, women were still excluded from leadership roles. The
'boys' club' culture that existed within the police force and other institutions of power
reinforced traditional gender roles, which made it difficult for women like Jane Tennison to be
taken seriously. ‘Prime Suspect’ clearly portrays the accuracy of the female gender, wherein
she faces institutionalised sexism and bigotry from her male colleagues who are unwilling to
accept her leadership in a male-dominated work environment.
POINT 3: Men as Superior
‘Prime Suspect’ also reflects the accuracy of the male gender in male characters, such as
John Shefford, Superintendent Michael Kernan and Bill Otley. van Zoonen discusses that ‘in
feminist terminology media are thought to transmit sexist, patriarchal or capitalist values to
contribute to the maintenance of social order’. Although ‘Prime Suspect’ does not
necessarily communicates sexist views, it shows audiences how other media may do so and
influence on individuals. For instance, Superintendent Michael Kernan is shown to have a
patriarchal mindset and is dismissive of Jane's abilities. This further reflects a broader
societal attitude towards women in positions of authority, where women were often seen as
inferior to men. When Jane leaves his office, he immediately calls for male DCIs who could
be available to take over. His belief that a male DCI is superior than Jane further reinforces
the idea that, as a result of the individuals developing sexist views from the media,
individuals would seek men over women to continue to maintain social order. This continues
to reflect the systemic challenges faced by women in male-dominated professions, where
their abilities are often overlooked.
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