representation of women in horror

Throughout horror film history Women have been given similar roles and been portrayed in a certain way. Frequently this role is passive as opposed to the active role of males, whom are often saving these girls from danger. These female characters are often attractive and young. This became even more obvious in the nineteen sixties and seventies due to the sexual revolution and the relaxation of censorship laws that subsequently happened. This idea however is evident, even in the early silent horrors where shots of females screaming helplessly were common.

  Post nineteen sixties, women were represented with less clothing and were allot more provocative. Historically major changes in society have always caused moral panics and this was no exception. Many film makers began to portray these women very negatively. Many times, women in horror films are killed for taking part in sexual activities or for drug use and so on, anyone that would oppose conservative America would meet a bad fate.

Carol J. Clover coined the famous term “final girl”, referring to the last female character at the end of a horror film who either survives or defeats the “killer”, whatever it may be. Although this character was female, she often undertook more male traits and may have a unisex name.