Non–Codified Representation of Women in Popular Photography: A Politics of Empowerment

Abstract

The present research work analyses how popular photographs have contributed to the empowerment of women by projecting the subversion of female gender stereotypes. They represent the transition of women from oppressive code of patriarchy to the liberation.They illustrate how the women have subverted the hierarchy between masculine and feminine, private and public and so on. The woman in mourning posture, battalion uniform, mechanical activities, work fields, political positions, and sports among others exemplify this subversion. The changing level of awareness and the raising consciousness has inspired women to fight for the space. Since the photographs represent women fighting for the space, they are infused with politics of empowerment.