Gavin and Stacey - Representation of Women

Throughout Gavin and Stacey there are clear characters who conform to gender stereotypes but there are also characters who break all conventions and juxtapose the traditional view of women in particular. Through series one of Gavin and Stacey it is clear that Gwen and Pam are typical stay at home mums who are house proud and domestic. However this is juxtaposed by the little old lady Doris who has a filthy mouth and the character of Nessa who breaks all generic conventions of women, and then we have Stacey who in ways encompasses many of the qualities that break but also conform to gender stereotypes.  

 

In particular it is Pam and Gwen who conform to the typical mother roles as although they live different lives they both have the same values. Even the fact that Pam is more well off Gwen is still a house proud mother who cares for her children and family. However these two characters are still in constrast as pam is more of a caricature which is in contrast to Gwen who is much more settled and more of a realistic representation of a mother, one line that highlights this perfectly is when Pam begins to argue with the group about where Gavin and Stacey will get married and Pam refers to Gwen as a "leek munching sheep shagger" showing just have much of a character she really is and that this would not happen in the real world. This scene also highlights their difference in wealth and class. Another scene is where pam is crying on the couch and believes that she saw a mother badger crying showing that she is slightly uneducated as well as referring to Gavin as "my prince" showing just how much of a mother she really is and she is unable to let her only son grow up. In addition to this the running joke about Gwen making omelettes reinforces her domestic setting and that she is a stay at home mother.  

 

On the other hand a character that challenges all typical conventions of a women is Nessa as well as being in complete juxtaposition to her best friend Stacey. The main way Nessa challenges the typical stereotype is the fact that she is in control, she chooses what she wants and does not let any men within the story tell her what to do, this is shown through he running joke of numerous ex-lovers that she has never wanted to get attached to and can pick up and drop whenever she wishes (Dave's coaches). Nessa goes against the typical template of beauty and even though her job history is challenging that the audience think about gender constantly. Nessa's defiance and recklessness completely juxtaposes Stacey's innocence and naïve nature.  

 

Overall Gavin and Stacey does conform to typical stereotypes but this is done mainly so the audience can identify with the characters and place them into categories quickly. Throughout the Gavin and Stacey series the representation of characters adapt and allow the audience to relate to each character in different ways, even with the character that are over exaggerated have realism within them and can be relatable and or admired.