Abstract:
Elaine Benes from Seinfeld is a prominent female character that gets little recognition for her
contribution to female characters within a sitcom. The only written work on her contribution
within a feminist framework claims she is not a feminist because she behaves in similar ways to
her male counterparts. This work also uses a framework that is ill-fitted for both the time period
and the format of the show. The goal of this research is to reframe Elaine as a feminist character
within the context of the show and its time period using the values of third-wave feminism and
postmodernism. This process involves analyzing scenes from the show that demonstrate these
values. Furthermore, the research should prove that this brand of feminism and writing for
Elaine’s character set a precedent for future female representations in sitcoms.
