Being a Girl with The Doctor: Essays on the Feminine in Doctor Who

The Doctor in the BBC series "Doctor Who" has traveled with both female and male companions, providing information about the Doctor's adventures. The casting of a female actor in 2018 shifted the role of the Doctor and the companion, leading to complaints from both male and female fans about the portrayal of female companions. Essays in this book consider how gender is presented in "Doctor Who" and how certain female companions have been able to break out of the gendered roles usually assigned to them.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 31 December 2023
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

Throughout the enduring BBC series "Doctor Who," the Doctor has seldom ventured alone, accompanied by both female and male companions. The companion holds a vital role in "Doctor Who" as a surrogate for the audience, offering insights into the Doctor's ongoing adventures. However, the series faced a longstanding criticism when a female actor was cast in the role of the Doctor in 2018. This change in gender identity led to a corresponding shift in the dynamics between the Doctor and their companions. The persistent focus on romantic relationships among the TARDIS occupants has elicited complaints from both male and female fans, reiterating and reinforcing numerous critiques regarding the portrayal of female companions.

In this book, essays explore the portrayal of gender in "Doctor Who" and examine how certain female companions have managed to transcend the typically gendered roles assigned to them across both the classic and modern series. The contributors analyze how the series employs gender stereotypes, challenges them, and presents alternative narratives. They also examine how female companions have evolved and developed throughout the series, becoming more independent and complex characters.

The book offers valuable insights into the representation of gender in popular media and its impact on audiences. It sheds light on the challenges faced by female characters and the ways in which they have resisted and subverted traditional gender roles. It also provides a platform for discussions about gender equality and representation in science fiction and other genres.

In conclusion, "Gender and Companionship in "Doctor Who"" is a thought-provoking and informative exploration of the gender dynamics in the series. It offers valuable insights into the portrayal of gender, the evolution of female characters, and the impact of gender representation on audiences. This book is a must-read for fans of "Doctor Who" and anyone interested in gender studies and popular culture.

Weight: 304g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476689531