DiscoverThe Problematic GazePerfectly Programmed: Deconstructing The Stepford Wives from 1975 and the Fear of Feminism
Perfectly Programmed: Deconstructing The Stepford Wives from 1975 and the Fear of Feminism

Perfectly Programmed: Deconstructing The Stepford Wives from 1975 and the Fear of Feminism

Update: 2025-08-19
Share

Description

In this episode of The Problematic Gaze, Dr. Lee and Our Dave dive deep into the glossy paranoia of The Stepford Wives (1975) — a chilling suburban satire that’s part sci-fi horror, part feminist nightmare.

What does this cult classic really say about gender roles, domesticity, and the backlash to second-wave feminism? 

We explore the film’s historical context, its uncanny aesthetic, and its lasting influence on how society frames women, perfection, control, and conformity. 

Whether you’re into feminist film analysis, horror tropes, or just love unpacking problematic classics — this one’s for you.

Click here to follow us on all our socials

Please leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts. They really help to spread the word of The Problematic Gaze.
 
And if our fellow Gazers want to comment on what they've heard in our episodes, or to suggest future topics, please email us at theproblematicgaze@gmail.com. We love hearing from you!

Gazer Homework: Series 6, Episode 4 of Only Fools and Horses, titled “The Unlucky Winner Is…”

Comments 
In Channel
loading
00:00
00:00
1.0x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

Perfectly Programmed: Deconstructing The Stepford Wives from 1975 and the Fear of Feminism

Perfectly Programmed: Deconstructing The Stepford Wives from 1975 and the Fear of Feminism

David Moor and Lee Arnott