Narrative Theory: Levi Strauss: Binary Oppositions

Levi Strauss and Binary Oppositions

• Levi Strauss argued that a structure of narratives was a dependence on Binary Oppositions
• A conflict between two qualities or terms
• These binary oppositions can form the basis of narratives
• E.g young-old male-female

Binary Oppositions can be based on Gender. Narratived can be organised through gender stereotypes.
Male- Strong, proffessional, Aggressive, Wise
Whereas
Women- Weak, Domestic, Emotional, Communal

Binary oppositions works through the use of stereotype and dominant and subordinate groups in society.

The Dominant

• Male
• White
• Middle Class
• Middle Aged
• Hetrosexual
• Able Bodied

The Subordinant

• Female
• Other ethnic groups
• working class
• The young, the old
• Hiomosexual
• Disabled