Die Darstellung der alleinerziehenden Frau im DEFA-Film der achtziger Jahre

Eine Untersuchung der Filme DAS FAHRRAD und DIE ALLEINSEGLERIN

Abstract

This article examines the portrayal of women in DEFA films of the 1980s from the perspectives of film studies and communication science. The analysis from two chosen films shows that both protagonists strongly sought a female self-image and an identification of their own lives beyond social attributions. Both films succeed in criticizing the situation of women in the existing system despite the strict cultural and educational policies. They use the female film heroes to point out general social injustices and gaps in the political system of the GDR. The equal rights demanded and promoted by the state, which led above all to the full employment of the female population of the GDR, can be described as asymmetrical. No pervasive social change took place and equal rights were not fully realized, especially in terms of equal pay and occupation of management positions. Against the background of selected theories of feminist film studies, two films are analysed.