The Partridge Family Season 1 Episode 12 My Son, the Feminist
- December 11, 1970
- 25 min
The Partridge Family season 1 episode 12 is titled "My Son, the Feminist." The episode follows the Partridge family, a musical family consisting of a widowed mother, Shirley, and her five children, Keith, Laurie, Danny, Chris, and Tracy, as they grapple with the changing social norms of the late 1960s.
In this episode, the Partridges are preparing for a charity benefit concert and are introduced to a young activist named Gloria. Gloria is a leader in the women's liberation movement and is passionate about promoting gender equality and empowering women. Keith is immediately drawn to Gloria and begins to spend time with her, much to Shirley’s confusion. Keith, who is typically portrayed as the confident and somewhat cocky eldest sibling, begins to question his own sense of masculinity and his treatment of women. As Keith team up with Gloria, the rest of family starts wary of his new ideas, but Laurie and Danny support him in his newfound interest.
Throughout the episode, the family struggles to understand and respect Keith’s decision to become a feminist, trying to reconcile their traditional values with the changing cultural climate. Shirley is especially concerned that Keith’s involvement in the women's movement will alienate their fans and hurt the success of their concert. However, Keith is determined to use his platform as a musician to advocate for change and promote gender equality.
As the concert approaches, tensions rise within the family as they struggle to reconcile their conflicting views on feminism and gender roles. The Partridges’ performance at the benefit concert ultimately becomes a platform for Keith to advocate for gender equality and inspire others to join the feminist movement.
The episode highlights the gender issues that were significant during the time when the show was aired. It explores the themes of gender equality and the challenges of navigating evolving social norms. As the characters grapple with these themes, they come to appreciate the value of respecting one another's beliefs and supporting one another in their endeavors.
Overall, "My Son, the Feminist" is a thought-provoking episode that explores the social and cultural changes occurring during the late 1960s. It offers a unique perspective on the feminist movement and engages the audience in a meaningful conversation about the ongoing struggle for gender equality. The episode offers valuable lessons about acceptance, diversity, and the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of resistance and opposition.