An Analysis of Women’s Ambition in Louisa May Alcott's Little Women Film: A Liberal Feminist Approach

Yulia Citra Pratiwi; Qiyara Wantoya; Laila Azizah Lubis; Syamsul Bahri

doi:10.59890/ijatss.v4i7.241

Authors

Yulia Citra Pratiwi Universitas Negeri Medan
Qiyara Wantoya Universitas Negeri Medan
Laila Azizah Lubis Universitas Negeri Medan
Syamsul Bahri Universitas Negeri Medan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59890/ijatss.v4i7.241

Keywords:

Liberal Feminism, Women’s Ambition, Little Women (2019), Gender Equality, Film Analysis

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the representation of women’s ambition in Little Women (2019) using a liberal feminist approach. The research focuses on four main aspects: individual freedom, equality of opportunity, rejection of gender stereotypes, and empowerment of education. This study employs a qualitative descriptive method, with data collected from selected scenes and dialogues in the film. The findings reveal that a total of 20 data were identified and classified into the four categories. Individual freedom emerges as the most dominant aspect with 7 data (35%), indicating that the film strongly emphasizes women’s autonomy in making personal life choices. Equality of opportunity and rejection of gender stereotypes each account for 5 data (25%), reflecting the limitations faced by women in accessing economic and professional opportunities, as well as their resistance toward traditional gender roles. Meanwhile, empowerment of education appears as the least dominant aspect with 3 data (15%), suggesting that although education contributes to women’s development, it is not the central focus of the film. In conclusion, Little Women portrays women’s ambition as a dynamic struggle between personal aspirations and societal constraints, highlighting the importance of autonomy, equal opportunities, and the rejection of restrictive gender norms

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