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Purl: A Study of Gender Roles in Film

Purl is a short animated film that explores themes of gender inequality and inclusion in the workplace. It follows Purl, a ball of yarn who gets a job at an office full of male coworkers. She realizes she is not accepted by her male peers due to gender stereotypes. Purl conforms her behavior and appearance to fit in, losing her sense of identity. However, she later helps another non-conforming coworker and works to dismantle gender norms and promote diversity in the workplace. The film emphasizes the importance of challenging patriarchal power structures and gender stereotypes to create truly inclusive environments.

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Haroon Hamid
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
94 views5 pages

Purl: A Study of Gender Roles in Film

Purl is a short animated film that explores themes of gender inequality and inclusion in the workplace. It follows Purl, a ball of yarn who gets a job at an office full of male coworkers. She realizes she is not accepted by her male peers due to gender stereotypes. Purl conforms her behavior and appearance to fit in, losing her sense of identity. However, she later helps another non-conforming coworker and works to dismantle gender norms and promote diversity in the workplace. The film emphasizes the importance of challenging patriarchal power structures and gender stereotypes to create truly inclusive environments.

Uploaded by

Haroon Hamid
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Slide 1: Title

Slide 2: Purl by Pixar is an animated film that explores a feminist theme focusing on the
importance of inclusion in the workplace, authenticity, truth to oneself, gender roles, and
stereotypes. Purl is a ball of yarn entering her new office and immediately realizes that
she is not accepted and welcomed by her male counterparts. She sees an omnipresent
male-dominated energy structure in the environment. Purl navigates the male-oriented
industry, succeeding to the satisfaction of her peers’ approval and recognition. Later,
she discovers another ball of yarn who faces a similar struggle to overcome the values
​of a male-dominated power system. She discovers her identity and becomes authentic
to her true self, finding meaning in diversifying the workplace and the world for the
better. The short film Purl emphasizes the necessity of being authentic and inclusive,
disbanding gender roles and stereotypes.

Slide 3: All dressed in suits​


Talk about stereotypical things men talk about​
Sports, Gym, and car jokes are shown in the film which are all stereotypical male
interests and hobbies​
They are uncomfortable to talk to women or people that are different from them.​

Slide 4: The evolution of Purl​

Slide 5: Purl was delighted to come to work​


● Was full of energy​
● Had a cheerful and pleasant personality​
● Brought unique ideas to meetings​
● Was kind and greeted everyone pleasantly​
● Was seen as an outsider and was ignored​

● Purls attitude and tone became much more serious ​


● Conformed herself behave like the men in the workplace ​
● Changed the way she dresses to fit with her co-workers ​
● Suppresses her uniqueness and her actions and behaviour
are directed by gender roles ​
● Makes offensive jokes about other balls of yarn​
Slide 6: Gender Equality:​
● Advocates for gender equality​
● Challenges systemic oppression and biases ​
● Contesting Gender Norms​
● Questions traditional societal expectations
and stereotypes​
● Inclusivity ​
● Promotes creating safe inclusive environments
that embrace diversity​
Slide 7:The
short film Purl unveils the inequalities of gender
norms and suppression opposed to women in the workplace,
causing society to endorse patriarchal constructs, resulting in
strong female role models who strive to dismantle the barrier
between gender equality and promote inclusivity against their
suppressive male-oriented power structures.​

Slide 8: \

Slide :Gender roles are expectations and norms set by society that defines
behaviour, roles, and responsibilities based on their gender​
● Stereotypes oversimplify and generalize a group of people and usually
upheld by society and social media​
● Gender roles and stereotypes can limit individual potential, as they
assume certain actions and behaviours on people based on their race or
gender​
● Challenging and dismantling gender roles and stereotypes is crucial for
reaching gender equality, diversity, and a safe environment for everyone
to be able to express themselves safely​

Slide 10 : Male-centred power structures and patriarchal structures are deeply embedded
systems that perpetuate gender inequalities and reinforce traditional gender roles. In
these systems, men tend to wield authority and decision-making power, while women
are marginalized and excluded.

Slide 11: (“Purl” 02:58-03:41)


This is the case for the short film “Purl”, her suppressive male counterparts ignore and
exclude Purl. The men isolate Purl as she does not fit the gender norms of the
workplace.

12: The men shun Purl and practically treat her as invisible due to their beliefs in gender
norms within the workplace. The male-dominated power structure pushed by society
and men views Purl as incapable of excelling in a work environment, she does not
belong with her suppressive and dominant male counterparts. Her opinion is invalidated
as they deem it as “too soft” and that she should be more “aggressive”. The men are
assertive with their power and ignore Purl as they go on a break saying, “Yea we got
everybody” (“Purl” 3:39), while looking at Purl. The men exclude her as she is different
from what the men are accustomed to in the workplace. This highlights the imbalance
of power created by gender roles and stereotypes as diversity for women is limited and
undermines their role in society. Ultimately, gender roles and stereotypes restrict
opportunities for women to succeed in the workplace and often force women to
conform or quit.

13: Gender roles and stereotypes have a consequential impact on people who are not
accommodated in society’s norms. A male-oriented society that believes in traditional
stereotypical expectations results in those who do not fit in feeling the need to conform
and change their identity.

14: (“Purl” 02:00-02:30)


Purl is struggling to fit into her new workplace as she is seen as an outlier being a ball of
yarn in a workplace with all men. She sees a group of men cracking jokes with coffee
cups in each hand. She joins them and mirrors their actions with the movement of

15: Purl is feeling the stress of not feeling accepted in her new workplace because of
the standing gender expectations and stereotypes associated with women. She is
feeling pressured to conform to the gender norms and give up her identity and sense of
self, all for the need for inclusion and approval of her peers that they acknowledge her
as one of them. The impact can be detrimental to a person as the feeling of acceptance
or fear of rejection could become a person’s only emphasis, scrapping their identity and
everything that makes a person unique. Adding on, the constant pressure of gender
roles and expectations could cause a toxic environment within the workplace as Purl
feels undermined. All in all, gender norms and stereotypes result in Purl feeling the need
to conform to be noticed and accepted in her workplace.

16: In conclusion, gender roles and stereotypes can detrimentally impact a person
causing women and other excluded people to give up as they do not get the same
opportunities to succeed. They might also feel the need to give in to society’s norms
and expectations and conform.

● Patriarchy is a social system where men hold primary


power and dominate in roles of political leadership,
social privilege, and economic control.​
● Power structures within patriarchal societies
reinforce and perpetuate gender inequalities,
favoring men's interests and marginalizing women.​
● Patriarchy and power structures result in limited
opportunities, and the perpetuation of gender-based
discrimination and oppression.​

17: The existence of gender roles and the belief in patriarchal constructs influence the
workplace and the rest of society. Resulting in women and other people who are
excluded from society's norms and expectations assimilating to gender roles and
suppressing their true identity and what makes them unique.

18: Purl loses her identity and mirror’s the behaviour and appearance of those around
her. To impress her peers she made an offensive joke about the other ball of yarn.

19: Purl undergoes heavy assimilation as she has completely changed the way she
behaves, dresses, talks, and greets her peers. She no longer has the same cheerful
personality and excitement. Purl now takes on the persona of a more serious and
professional businessman, while changing her appearance to match the expectations of
men as a result of the patriarchal constructs perpetuated in the workplace. Purl can be
seen making offensive jokes about another ball of yarn that is new to the job. The
change in Purl’s personality is the result of patriarchy and power structures as she
mimics the mannerisms of those within the power structures. She yearned so much for
recognition and acknowledgment from her peers that she would rather lose her sense of
self and her identity. When analyzing Purl and her completely new identity, questions
start to arise. How far will she go? Was it worth it? Purl highlights the harsh reality that
women face on a daily basis within society as the beliefs in patriarchal constructs and
male-dominated power systems.

20: To create and promote an equilibrium between men and women in society, there
must be strong autonomous female role models that challenge the constructs and
gender roles and dismantle the expectations set by society.
21: Purl ignores what her peers will think of her and introduces herself to the other ball
of yarn. She introduces the ball of yarn to everyone else and strives for gender equality
and disbanding patriarchal constructs.

22: Purl sees herself in Lacy and is reminded of the struggles that she went through
when she was new to the office. Purl ignores what her co-workers think as they are
confused about why she is talking to someone who does not fit the gender roles and
patriarchal constructs. Purl introduces Lacy to all the co-workers and is the start of
dismantling gender norms, stereotypes, and patriarchal constructs. Purl pushes for a
more diverse workplace, straying away from society’s stereotypical idea of a workplace
as more balls of yarn and different people are now working. The importance of strong
female role models is essential to breaking down the barriers of gender inequality. They
must stand up for each other in order to disband society’s beliefs and create a society
that is accepting.

23: All in all, patriarchal constructs and power systems cause individuals to lose their
identity because of the importance of being accepted in society. They will suppress
what makes them unique and put on a persona that fits society’s expectations and
standards. That is why it is imperative to dismantle the patriarchal structures so that
everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed and disband the belief of asserting roles
to certain genders.

24: In the short film “Purl” the themes of gender roles and patriarchal constructs
highlight the harsh reality of what women face in society. Assigning certain roles and
believing in male-dominated power systems limits the opportunities for women. It is
important that strong women role models stand up against society so that equality can
be achieved and create a safe diverse society.

25:

Common questions

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"Purl" depicts the consequences of conforming to societal norms on personal identity by showcasing Purl's transformation from a vibrant, enthusiastic newcomer to a restrained figure mimicking her peers. Initially, Purl's unique identity is disregarded, prompting her to conform by changing her appearance and behavior to fit into a male-dominated workplace. This conformity leads to a loss of her cheerful demeanor and authenticity as she adopts behaviors that are counter to her nature. The film ultimately suggests that such conformity damages self-identity and hinders the expression of individuality, emphasizing the negative impact societal pressures can have on personal authenticity and well-being .

"Purl" challenges traditional gender norms by depicting a protagonist who initially struggles to fit into a male-dominated workplace due to her non-conformity to these norms. The narrative reveals how gender roles and societal expectations compel Purl to suppress her individuality to gain acceptance. However, as she evolves, Purl realizes the importance of embracing her true self, thereby contesting societal expectations. This transformation signals a broader message about individuality and expression, implying that rejecting restrictive norms can foster a more inclusive and egalitarian society. The film encourages questioning and dismantling stereotypical roles to pave the way for genuine diversity and equality .

Purl's interaction with Lacy conveys a strong message about female solidarity and the dismantling of gender stereotypes. By recognizing her own past struggles in Lacy, Purl chooses to break away from the conformist tendencies she fell into and introduces Lacy to her colleagues. This act of solidarity between the two highlights the importance of supporting one another in challenging entrenched gender norms. It suggests that the collective efforts of women in supporting and affirming each other are crucial for dismantling stereotypes and promoting a more equitable and diverse workplace environment .

Authenticity in "Purl" is portrayed as a crucial element for enhancing workplace diversity. Initially, Purl loses her authentic self by conforming to fit into the male-dominated workplace. However, the film ultimately illustrates that true diversity and inclusion arise when individuals are authentic and true to themselves. Purl's decision to introduce Lacy, a fellow ball of yarn, to her male colleagues represents a shift towards embracing diversity and challenging gender stereotypes. The film advocates for authenticity in workplace settings as essential to breaking down barriers and creating an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives .

The film "Purl" illustrates the impact of power dynamics on gender equality by highlighting how male-dominated power structures marginalize and exclude those who do not conform to traditional gender roles. Purl, who enters a male-centric workplace, finds her efforts dismissed and her identity challenged due to these entrenched power dynamics. As she conforms to gain acceptance, the film reveals how such power imbalances reinforce gender disparities, curtailing opportunities for women and other marginalized groups. Purl's eventual rejection of these dynamics in favor of promoting inclusivity underscores the need to address and dismantle these systemic inequalities to achieve genuine gender equality .

The film "Purl" implies that female role models play a critical role in combating patriarchal constructs by serving as catalysts for change. As Purl progresses through her journey, she becomes a role model by deciding to embrace her individuality and champion inclusivity. By introducing Lacy to her colleagues, she sets an example of challenging the status quo, which encourages the dismantling of gender stereotypes and patriarchal norms. The film underscores the importance of female role models who are willing to stand up against oppressive systems and inspire others to do the same, highlighting their role in fostering a more inclusive and balanced society .

Purl's transformation symbolizes the challenges faced by women in male-dominated workplaces by highlighting the pressure to conform to patriarchal norms. Initially, Purl is enthusiastic and creative, but she soon realizes that her male peers do not accept her identity as a ball of yarn. To gain their acceptance, she changes her appearance and behavior, adopting stereotypically masculine traits, such as making offensive jokes and dressing like her colleagues. This transformation represents the loss of individuality and identity many women experience in environments where male-centric power structures marginalize them .

"Purl" exemplifies the impact of gender roles and stereotypes on workplace dynamics by showcasing how these societal constructs can marginalize and exclude individuals who do not conform. Purl, depicted as a ball of yarn in a male-dominated office environment, initially faces rejection and exclusion due to her different approach and appearance. The male counterparts, adhering to traditional gender norms, perceive her contributions as "too soft" and pressure her to adopt a more aggressive demeanor. This results in Purl altering her behavior, appearance, and personality to fit in, illustrating the detrimental effects of forcing individuals to conform to gender norms, which ultimately stifles diversity and hampers true identity expression .

"Purl" addresses workplace inclusivity by illustrating the initial exclusion Purl faces due to gender-role expectations and her eventual decision to assert her individuality. The film highlights the importance of creating environments that welcome diverse perspectives and challenge gender stereotypes. By the end of the film, Purl's actions to embrace diversity by supporting Lacy suggest the need for workplaces to value varied contributions and to foster inclusive cultures that encourage authenticity. Lessons drawn include the significance of resisting conformist pressures and the impact of fostering inclusive environments for collective progress and innovation in workplaces .

The existence of patriarchal structures in "Purl" reinforces the film's message about gender inequality by demonstrating how these systems are entrenched in workplace culture. Purl encounters a male-oriented environment where authority and decision-making power rest with her male colleagues, who exclude Purl and view her contributions skeptically. Her eventual conformity underscores the systemic nature of gender bias, illustrating how women must often suppress their uniqueness to navigate such environments. The film suggests that dismantling these structures is necessary to achieve true gender equality and create inclusive workplaces .

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