The Smurfette Principle
Nov 16, 2022
The Smurfette Principle is the practice in film and television to include only one woman in an otherwise entirely male ensemble.
Why it’s harmful
It perpetuates a male-dominated narrative.
It places the woman as the exception, existing only as she relateds to the men.
The men are individuals, the woman is a stereotype: overtly sexy, hyper-feminine, motherly, or sidekick.
It implies that men’s stories are more important than women’s.
