This thesis is a qualitative analysis of the clothing of Japanese Gothic Lolita women supported by six remarks. The study hypothesises that the statements made were meant to redefine gender...Show moreThis thesis is a qualitative analysis of the clothing of Japanese Gothic Lolita women supported by six remarks. The study hypothesises that the statements made were meant to redefine gender identities, societal values, and gender role expectations for women in the Japanese society and to find empowerment within the societal structures. It hypothesises that the statements were meant to signify a rebellion against the idea that dressing in a stereotypically feminine, childlike, and kawaii way is disempowering for women. Furthermore, this research finds that Japanese Gothic Lolitas lay the foundation to rethink the gendered structures embedded in the Japanese society through the signifiers of their clothing and the discourse within their statements by defining themselves not in relation to others, but to themselves. Thus, a framework is created that allows women to rebel against the traditional constraints of gender role expectations and to redefine their identities as influential, assertive individuals.Show less
