Between strength and exclusion… how does the media create the image of the successful woman?
Rereading the character of “Renata” in the television series “Big Little Lies” has reignited the devate about the media image of the successful woman – an image that reduces success to wealth and social status while ignoring women who live on the margins
News Center _ the series “Big Little Lies” was broadcast in two seasons between 2017 and 2019.
In this work, the character of “Renata” is always presented as an independent, wealthy, and successful woman – a woman whose name should be included in the list of powerful women in a well-known women’s magazine. However, after she goes bankrupt due to her husband’s mistakes and loses her social status, the same magazine drops her, announcing that its focus in only on “women at the top.”
"Big Little Lies" is a drama series set in a coastal city in California, revolving around a group of women and their families. Beneath the seemingly quiet life, it reveals complex relationships involving domestic violence, secrets, social class, and psychological struggles.
Some researchers in social issues believe that this dramatic line reflects the prevailing media view of the concept of the "strong woman" – a view that encourages women toward success, strength, and continuous advancement, but at the same time places them under the pressure of strict standards that recognize only a specific form of success.
Analysts say that the creation of media models of the successful woman can be a source of inspiration, provided it does not turn into a tool to exclude or oppress other women. In their view, focusing only on educated, wealthy, famous women of high social status leads to ignoring women whom economic, family, or social circumstances do not allow to participate in formal fields, pushing them to feel failure and worthlessness.
These analyses affirm that not all women have the same potential, family support, educational opportunities, or professional opportunities. Therefore, the concept of success should be defined in a way that suits each woman's circumstances and capabilities.
According to these analysts, the image of the strong woman should not be limited to writers, artists, athletes, university professors, or well‑known activists. It should also include women who live on the margins, struggling with the simplest means through housework, handicrafts, cooking, or small projects, to achieve economic independence and improve the lives of their families.