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Movie Review

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Movie Review

“Mean Girls” is a 2004 teen comedy film directed by Mark Waters and written by Tina Fey,

based on Rosalind Wiseman’s book “Queen Bees and Wannabes.” (IMDb) The movie follows

Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan), a 16-year-old girl who moves from Africa to Illinois and starts

attending a public high school. She soon falls in with a group of popular girls called "the

Plastics" and becomes embroiled in their manipulative and vicious world of social hierarchy. In

this paper, I will use the conflict theory to analyze and interpret the plot and cinematic themes of

“Mean Girls.”

Conflict theory posits that society is made up of different groups with competing interests and

that social problems arise from conflicts between these groups (Macionis, 2017). In “Mean

Girls,” we see this theory in action through the portrayal of the social hierarchy at North Shore

High School. The Plastics, led by Regina George (Rachel McAdams), are at the top of the

pyramid, and they use their power to maintain their status and manipulate those beneath them.

The rest of the school is divided into different cliques, with each group vying for power and

status.

The conflict theory suggests that people will do whatever it takes to maintain their position in

society, even if that means exploiting others (Macionis, 2017). This is evident in “Mean Girls” as

the Plastics use a variety of manipulative tactics to stay on top. Regina George, in particular, is

the embodiment of this idea. She is ruthless, controlling, and willing to do whatever it takes to

maintain her position as the most popular girl in school. She uses her social power to manipulate

and control those around her, including her friends, her enemies, and even her own mother.
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The conflict theory also suggests that social inequality is a result of the struggle for power

between different groups (Macionis, 2017). This is clearly illustrated in “Mean Girls” as the

Plastics use their social status to control and dominate those around them. They use their power

to exclude others, create social barriers, and enforce strict social norms. For example, when Cady

tries to join their group, they make her jump through hoops and conform to their strict dress code

and behavioral rules. By doing so, they reinforce their position at the top of the social hierarchy

and maintain their power over others.

Another key aspect of the conflict theory is the idea of social change. According to this theory,

social change occurs when groups with less power challenge the status quo and fight for a more

equitable distribution of resources and opportunities (Macionis, 2017). In “Mean Girls,” we see

this idea in action as Cady challenges the Plastics' power and tries to bring about social change.

She does this by forming alliances with other groups, exposing the Plastics' secrets, and

ultimately overthrowing Regina's power.

The conflict theory also suggests that social problems are a result of inequality and power

imbalances (Macionis, 2017). This is evident in “Mean Girls” as the social hierarchy creates a

range of problems for the characters. For example, Janis Ian (Lizzy Caplan) and Damian (Daniel

Franzese) are outcasts who are bullied and excluded by the popular kids. Cady is caught between

two worlds, trying to fit in with the Plastics while also maintaining her true self. Gretchen

Wieners (Lacey Chabert) struggles with her own insecurity and identity, feeling like she is

always in Regina's shadow.

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Finally, the conflict theory suggests that social change is often accompanied by conflict and

tension (Macionis, 2017).

References

Frey, B. (2018). Action research. The SAGE encyclopedia of educational research,

measurement, and evaluation (Vols. 1-4) (pp. 36-38). SAGE Publications, Inc.
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Frey, B. (2018). Evaluation Versus Research. The SAGE encyclopedia of educational research,

measurement, and evaluation (Vols. 1-4) (pp. 629-632). SAGE Publications, Inc.

Frey, B. (2018). Formative evaluation. The SAGE Encyclopedia of Educational Research,

Measurement, and Evaluation, 696-698.

Frey, B. (2018). Summative evaluation. The SAGE encyclopedia of educational research,

measurement, and evaluation (Vols. 1-4) (pp. 1635-1636). SAGE Publications, Inc.

Grant, C., & Osanloo, A. (2014). Understanding, selecting, and integrating a theoretical

framework in dissertation research: Creating the blueprint for your "house".

Administrative Issues Journal, 4(2), 4. https://dc.swosu.edu/aij/vol4/iss2/4/

Walker, R., & Solvason, C. (2014). Theoretical framework. In success with your early years

research project (pp. 21-33). London: SAGE Publications

Ltd.https://www.torrossa.com/en/resources/an/5019487

Walker, R., & Solvason, C. (2014). Theoretical framework. In success with your early years

research project. (pp. 21-33). London: SAGE Publications Ltd.