Representation of Gender Stereotypes in the Novel Arezoye Sevom: A Critical Analysis of Gender Roles in Children and Adolescent Literature

Document Type : Persian Research Article

Authors

1 Master’s degree in Children’s and Young Adult Literature, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Department of Persian Language and Literature, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

The issue of gender and the reproduction of gender stereotypes in children and adolescent literature has consistently been a subject of interest for researchers in social sciences and literature. This paper, adopting an analytical-critical approach, examines the representation of gender stereotypes in the novel Arezoye Sevom by Mostafa Kharaman. This study aims to analyze how gender roles are formed in this work and their impact on the identity and behavior of female and male characters. In this regard, using the qualitative content analysis method and based on theories of gender studies and gender stereotypes, the characterization of women and men, power structures in family and social relations, and how gender inequalities are reflected in the story narrative are examined. The results of the research show that this novel well illustrates the social, cultural, and family limitations imposed on women and girls. Female characters, especially Nahid and Zohreh, grow up in a patriarchal environment where traditional gender roles are imposed on them, and they are deprived of equal opportunities with men. In contrast, characters like Mr. Mansour represent a traditional and dominant mindset that places girls in subordinate positions. The novel Arezoye Sevom not only reflects the real conditions of women in traditional Iranian society but can also be used as a critical tool to examine the impact of gender stereotypes on the mentality of adolescents. Finally, this research emphasizes the importance of gender analysis in children and adolescent literature and suggests that authors and publishers redefine gender roles and provide a more equitable model for girls and boys in the production of literary works.

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References

 
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Literary Discourse Analysis
Volume 3, Issue 3 - Serial Number 10
September 2025
Pages 89-114

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History

  • Receive Date: 11 July 2025
  • Revise Date: 23 September 2025
  • Accept Date: 23 September 2025
  • Publish Date: 30 September 2025

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