Taylor Swift’s song "The Man" (Swift, 2020) provides a relatable critique of gender inequality by highlighting how gender norms shape society’s ideas about power and success. By looking at it closer through a neo-Marxist lens, the song shows how materialism and wealth can reinforce dominant ideologies favoring men, questioning taken-for-granted assumptions about who "ought to be" empowered (Sellnow, 2010, p. 115).
If you haven’t heard this song before, I recommend listening to at least a snippet to get some context:
The lyric “They wouldn’t shake their heads and question how much of this I deserve” reflects how our culture perpetuates patriarchal hegemony by naturalizing men’s success while questioning women’s achievements. Swift challenges this ideology by showing how the same behaviors, whether they be ambition, assertiveness, or financial success, are celebrated in men but scrutinized in women. With Taylor Swift being a cultural focal point, it could be assumed that she holds this perspective due to her experience. However, a neo-Marxist analysis recognizes this as more than individual bias: it stems from broader trends of wealth and power being disproportionately held by men, shaping the way women are perceived when they receive the same privilege.
Swift also criticizes the commodification of women’s behavior. The line “What I was wearing, if I was rude / Could all be separated from my good ideas and power moves?” reveals how economic and cultural practices treat women’s appearance as a product for judgment. Let me illustrate this for you with one simple question: how many times are male celebrities asked about what they’re wearing compared to their female counterparts?
Ultimately, Swift’s frustration with “running as fast as I can” highlights the barriers women face. The neo-Marxist perspective emphasizes how these barriers are not just ideological but deeply tied to material conditions that favor men’s upward mobility over women. What differences have you noticed in the portrayal of successful men vs women? What perpetuates these ideologies?
References:
Sellnow, D. (2010). The rhetorical power of popular culture: Considering mediated texts (p. 115). Sage.
Swift, T. (2020). The man. On Lover. Republic Records.
Meg, thanks for sharing. As a woman raised in a male-dominated society, I can definitely understand and empathize with your perspectives and also the reason and intended purpose behind Taylor Swift making this song. To me the song fits perfectly into the Oppositional Reading category because she is actively opposing the dominant trend of male dominance and fighting (with her voice and words) for respect, with equal treatment and opportunities.
ReplyDeleteThe behaviors that are condoned and even praised in men are shamed in women, which show the double-standard nature of society. Men get away with things that women never could, including violence, greed, profanity, immorality, etc. The fact that men gain and use prestige and power in often ruthless and unethical ways, and instead of viewing them as oppressive tyrants they are viewed as determined, suave, hard working, and deserving. On the other hand, if a woman did the same things as men do, she’d be viewed as selfish, manipulative, “usurping authority that isn’t hers,” and “overstepping her bounds” (I’ve heard that in my own life by male dominant patriarchal types who want women to be seen and not heard). Gratefully all men aren’t that way and some respect women and want their input, but too many men I know are threatened by a strong woman who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to work for it (or speak up against oppression). If women treated men like men treat women (as brainless and voiceless objects or arm candy) it would definitely go against hegemonic norms. Even when women earn their wealth and power in honorable ways it’s often attributed to men in their lives (“they must have had an influential father”) and other such stereotypes (as if a woman couldn’t do it on her own).
Another underlying difference I noticed in your blog was not just between men and women but between different classes. What would be inappropriate and unethical behavior for the middle class is expected and even smiled upon by the rich (e.g. many sexual partners, women scantily dressed [as depicted in the picture you shared in Saint Tropez], etc.). It’s disappointing to me how money influences what people consider okay and not, rather than values and what’s healthy for a society.