An Analysis of the Representation of Women in the Film Hidden Figures (2016)

Abstract

This article examines the roles, development, and struggles of women within a patriarchal social structure as depicted in the film Hidden Figures (2016). Drawing on feminist theory and human rights perspectives, the study employs a qualitative research approach based on a review of relevant academic literature and related online sources.

The findings indicate that the female characters represent women living in a male-dominated society who face systematic discrimination based on gender, race, and skin color. While the film’s surface narrative portrays their professional work as mathematicians at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), its underlying narrative reveals structural exclusion and unequal access to opportunities, particularly for Black women. These forms of discrimination stem from deeply embedded social prejudices, historical contexts, and the continual reproduction of patriarchal structures, constituting significant violations of human dignity and human rights.

Nevertheless, the film also highlights the dynamic nature of women’s struggles for rights and recognition, suggesting that gender inequality persists in contemporary societies—even in countries that claim to uphold democratic values, equality, and freedom.