Where Are the Film Directors (Who Happen to be Women)?

These flashcards cover key concepts and theories related to the underrepresentation of women directors in the film industry based on the provided lecture notes.

Silent Film Era

A period before 1920 when women directors were prevalent, with over 30 women working as directors.

Human Capital Theory

A theory suggesting women underrepresent in directing due to self-selection and not investing in their human capital compared to men.

Discrimination Theory

A theory asserting that employers preferentially hire men based on gender stereotypes, regardless of women’s actual work capabilities.

Opt Out Myth

The belief that women choose to leave their careers for motherhood, ignoring the systemic pressures they face in the workplace.

Willful Blindness

A phenomenon where individuals in power deny the existence of discrimination, thereby maintaining the status quo.

Catherine Hardwicke

A female director whose replacement for the sequel to 'Twilight' illustrates discrimination against successful women directors.

Percentage of Women Directors in 2008

Women comprised only 9% of directors for the top 250 domestic grossing films, showing no progress since 1998.

Naming Strategy

A rhetorical tactic used to claim female representation in directing by listing a few women without context or statistical relevance.

Guerrilla Girls

A group that launched awareness campaigns highlighting gender discrimination in Hollywood during Oscar season.

Integrated Life

How women directors describe their ability to balance work and family, contradicting the notion of choosing one over the other.