Kryn Freehling-Burton

This article from the Motherhood issue of Femspec explores how the science fiction (SF) television show Lost presents a rich playground for a feminist examination of female characters and particularly those who are or become mothers during the series. Feminist theory reminds us that our understandings of gender, race, sexualities, ability, class, etc. are socially constructed, bound up within a specific time and place. Awareness of this construction allows viewers to simultaneously enjoy and critique a show’s plots and characters on a variety of levels. Our expectations of gender and motherhood/mothering are created and reflected by this popular culture media.