Representing Women Depictions, Perceptions and Challenges in Culture and Literature

The representation of women in media, folklore, and literature plays a crucial role in shaping societal perceptions and cultural norms. These narratives not only reflect prevailing attitudes towards women but also contribute to the construction of gender identities and roles within society. This book explores the multifaceted impact of cultural representations of women, highlighting both their positive contributions and the challenges they pose. This edited volume brings a collection of research articles based from diverse fields of culture literature and anthropology. Edited by, Dr.Manas Kumar Nayak and Debasmita Tripathy, these articles cover diverse voices – anthropological, cultural, economic, educational, ethical, historical, ideological, literary, philosophical, political, mythological, religious, social, and technological. This collection captures the multifaceted narratives involving women and around women. New perspectives have been curated to suit the taste of contemporary readers interested in finding out the subtleness of infused patriarchy. How depictions involving a self-sacrificing mother and a stepmother in the movies provide hints at being the ‘norm perfect woman’? Are the fairy tales only for entertainment or are they the ones that mold the children for playing the roles of ‘gender’? How our ancient folk songs have come about to discipline women from the very beginning? Are the binary roles of being a man or woman really safe for anyone? How do the women use their stereotypical activities of gossip and rumours as resistance strategies? Can the stereotypes be really broken? About the Editor Dr Manas Kumar Nayak is the Editor of this book. He is currently working as Lecturer in English in Pattamundai College, Pattamundai, Kendrapara, Odisha. Debasmita Tripathy is the co-editor of this book. She is currently working as Lecturer in English in Pattamundai College, Pattamundai, Kendrapara, Odisha.