In praise of Joan Holloway, Mad Men’s true hero

As the above analysis from ScreenPrism notes, Joan’s awareness of what the culture of the ’60s expects from a woman doesn’t stop her from falling into the binary trappings of the culture. Her attempts to fulfill the role of “the real woman” finds her in a loveless marriage and an unsatisfying career. It’s not until the later seasons when she starts demanding more well-deserved responsibilities that Joan as the individual starts to truly emerge. But in order to get those achievements, she must navigate the muddy waters of the patriarchal society she inhabits and continue to use her sexuality as currency. This is often juxtaposed with Peggy, who is driven purely by ambition and often attempts to de-sexualize herself, and Don, who trades in sexuality as Joan does but without any of the negative consequences.

Joan’s ultimate triumph in the series finale, which finds her as a successful business owner and single mother, perfectly encapsulates what makes her such a badass. She understands the system, she plays within the system, and, in the end, she beats the system. It was a long, harrowing journey to get there, but it’s hard to imagine a better result for such a beloved character.