When patriarchy outlives the apocalypse: analysis of The Walking Dead (AMC, 2010–)

• Main Author: Delicia Aguado Peláez
• Format: Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: Universidad de Alicante 2014-06-01
• Series: Feminismo/s
• Subjects: comunicación; género; identidad simbólica; roles y estereotipos; series de televisión
• Online Access: https://feminismos.ua.es/article/view/2014-n23-cuando-el-patriarcado-sobrevive-al-apocalipsis-analisis-de-the-walking-dead-amc-2010

American television series are currently experiencing a new golden era, thanks to their commitment to quality and innovation. But, is this television renaissance impacting the representation of power relations within the family institution? This is one of the questions which centre the present analysis of The Walking Dead (AMC, 2010), a post-apocalypse zombie drama that shows the world’s obsession with issues of security in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. This study investigates how gender roles in mass media are still based on a binary system that places men as those in charge of security, production and the public space, while women are relegated to the private sphere. The small screen creates and promotes roles and stereotypes which help us build our world.