Patriarchal Influences: Critiquing The Devil Wears Prada

From magazines, to movies, to comics, the effects of the patriarchal standards have been reflected and enforced by the media. The Devil Wears Prada (2006) reflects the societal standards and expectations towards women of the early 2000s. The Devil Wears Prada represents women in authoritative positions, workforce, and achieving their dreams. Although on the surface, this movie seems to challenge patriarchal representations of women, social culture heavily criticizes and mistreats women using patriarchal opinions/representations. The social interactions and workforce portrayed reflected the social attitudes of women in the workforce in the early 2000s.

When Andy first enters the office, she is treated with disregard and disgust, mainly due to her appearance. Although this may allude to a lack of professionalism, she was critiqued because of her lack of luxurious fashion choices. Her economic status and lack of luxurious items determined her treatment in her workforce. Andy’s boss, Miranda, insults Andy to her
face, without even knowing her credentials or experience. Based on her appearance alone, Miranda berated Andy’s capabilities. It is only after Andy dresses luxuriously and appears economically well off that people begin to treat her with respect or assume any authority from her. Arguably, this perpetuates the idea that for women to be acknowledged or taken seriously, they should go above and beyond. Before their credentials are even considered, their appearance is much more important. This stems from the patriarchy that deems “unattractive women” less capable and less worthy than “presentable women”. To be taken seriously in the workforce, women must look their best before presenting their skills and credentials. This is not just enforced by men, but by women as well. Reflecting the notion that regardless of your
credentials in the workforce, your appearance as a woman will determine whether or not people will consider you a professional.

Andy had to make choices that would hurt either her career or her social life (friends, boyfriends, etc). Andy could either become successful and lose valuable friendships, including romantic ones, or she could lose her rising career in fashion but save her social life. In the scenes where she would have a promising career boost, it would hurt her social relationships. At one point in the movie, she fails to be present at her boyfriend’s birthday, resulting in their
breakup. Yet, she had received great praise from her boss and made great connections in the fashion industry. This extreme contrast reflects a common issue women face when entering the workforce. Oftentimes, women are told that to be successful means to be lonely. You cannot be a successful, career-driven woman and also have a spouse or close friends. It’s used to demean ambitious women and to instill fear of a “lonely future”. Most women are discouraged from pursuing lengthy careers because it would take time away from marriage and having families. This trope reinforces traditional stereotypes and standards regarding a woman’s value. Runways’ CEO, Miranda, suffers a similar fate. Her passion and commitment to her career result in multiple divorces and failed relationships. She is constantly criticized in the
newspaper for her failed relationships and is portrayed as an “unlovable woman”. The Devil Wears Prada reinforced the idea that to be a successful woman, you must sacrifice everything else. This repeated ultimatum in the movies pushed the idea that women cannot be successful and have fruitful social lives. In media with male main characters, they are not forced to choose between a love life and a successful career. Most times, they are given romance subplots along
with their career growth.