Theory: Joan Holloway represents the struggle of women in a patriarchal society against their own internalized misogyny

Joan Holloway, a character from the television show Mad Men, is a complex and multidimensional character. Throughout the series, she undergoes a significant character arc, navigating the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry while also facing the societal pressures and expectations placed upon her. However, beneath her confident and assertive demeanor, there is an underlying struggle that goes beyond the representation of an ambitious career woman.In my theory, I propose that Joan Holloway represents the internal conflict and struggle of women in a patriarchal society against their own internalized misogyny. Despite being a woman who has achieved success and power in her career, Joan often finds herself acting as a gatekeeper for the men in her office, perpetuating the very sexism that she herself has experienced.Throughout Mad Men, we see Joan consistently pitted against other women in the office, often displaying a sense of superiority or jealousy towards them. This behavior can be interpreted as a reflection of the societal pressures placed upon women to compete with each other for male attention and validation. By presenting Joan as a character who succumbs to this mindset, the show highlights the internalized misogyny that many women face, even when they have found success in male-dominated spaces.Furthermore, Joan's decision to prioritize her partnership stake at the ad firm over her own self-worth and dignity is another aspect that supports this theory. In the episode "The Other Woman," Joan agrees to sleep with a Jaguar dealer in exchange for a partnership stake, placing herself in a degrading and compromising position. This decision, while shocking and controversial, can be seen as a reflection of the societal pressures on women to use their sexuality as a means to gain power and success.By exploring Joan's character in this way, Mad Men not only sheds light on the struggles women face in a patriarchal society, but it also forces viewers to confront their own internalized misogyny. Through Joan's character, the show challenges viewers to question the double standards and expectations placed on women and to recognize the deep-rooted sexism that exists both externally and internally.In conclusion, Joan Holloway represents the internal struggle of women in a patriarchal society against their own internalized misogyny. By examining her character arc, the show presents a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of the challenges faced by women in male-dominated industries. Joan's complex portrayal forces viewers to confront their own biases and encourages them to challenge societal norms and expectations. Mad Men's portrayal of Joan serves as a catalyst for conversations about gender, power, and the impact of internalized misogyny on women's experiences.