Illuminating Inequalities of Women in Selected Filipino Contemporary Short Stories through the Lens of Feminist Theory

Abstract

The qualitative-content analysis study aimed to examine the social, political, and economic inequalities experienced by the marginalized women in selected Filipino contemporary short stories. Based on the findings, several women in the Philippines were found to be affected by the portrayal of societal expectations and gender norms. The contemporary short stories that were chosen from the Philippines vividly portrayed the economic disadvantages, restricted opportunities, and power imbalances that female characters experienced. These stories also highlighted the problems that female characters faced when dealing with oppressive societal structures. The experiences, when viewed through the lens of feminist theory, also demonstrated how women were undervalued, economically oppressed, and confined by traditional gender roles. This highlighted the necessity of dismantling oppressive norms in order to empower women. The content analysis emphasized the need for gender equality, equal opportunities, and a culture that recognized the contributions made by women, aiming to establish a society that was more just and equitable, one in which women were allowed to flourish without being constrained by gender-based constraints.