Między stereotypami – krytyka patriarchatu i “nowe” wzorce męskości w postfeministycznych retellingach young adult

Kinga Matuszko

doi:10.31261/errgo.18102

Published: 2026-06-25

2026

Between the Stereotypes – Criticism of Patriarchy and “New” Patterns of Masculinity in Young Adult Postfeminist Retellings

Kinga Matuszko

Section: studies and essays

https://doi.org/10.31261/errgo.18102

Abstract

The article focuses on representations of masculinity in postfeminist reinterpretations of well-known stories addressed to young adults. The research material consists of selected Anglo-Saxon retellings of fairy tales and works belonging to the canon of Western literature, popular among teenage readers. I point out that contemporary authors usually present anti-patriarchal views in their novels, creating oppressive and misogynistic protagonists, or create “new” models of masculinity. I also try to assess whether such actions fit into postfeminist discourses of equality or whether they are pseudo-feminist narratives that stabilize stereotypes and discredit efforts towards inclusivity; on the one hand, excluding men, and on the other, caricaturing their representations.

Keywords:

postfeminism , retelling , patriarchy , masculinity , young adult

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Matuszko, K. (2026). Between the Stereotypes – Criticism of Patriarchy and “New” Patterns of Masculinity in Young Adult Postfeminist Retellings. Er(r)go. Theory - Literature - Culture, 153–173. https://doi.org/10.31261/errgo.18102

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