Matriarchal Influence and Spiritual Identity: Exploring Women’s Spirituality in Young Sheldon

Year : 2025 | Volume : 02 | Issue : 02 | Page : 33 43
    By

    Geeta,

  • Dr. Amit Kumar,

  1. Research Scholar, Department of English, Central University of Rajasthan, Rajasthan, India
  2. Research Scholar, Department of Management, Guru Jambheswar University of Science and Technology , Hisar, Haryana, India

Abstract

The study analyzes the TV series Young Sheldon (2017–2024) through maternal and spiritual feminism. It is a prequel to The Big Bang Theory, set in the 1980s. It is based on a ten-year-old Sheldon’s struggles to adjust to his environment. It aims to examine the study critically, emphasizing the role of his mother and her maternal and spiritual practices through episodes of seasons one to five. The study works on five objectives; Mary’s Character analysis, Generational spirituality, Tension between faith and science, and the intersection of faith and family dynamics. It further works on Women’s spirituality as a source of empowerment and resistance.  Data analysis employs a qualitative approach as its research design and an analytical research method. The study’s main finding is Mary Cooper’s character in Young Sheldon, which highlights the complex intersection of women’s spirituality, gender roles, and family dynamics. Furthermore, the research underscores how Mary’s compassionate authority shapes Sheldon’s moral and emotional development while reinforcing the broader themes of maternal feminism. Her actions reflect a nuanced blend of devotion, resilience, and intuitive guidance that influences the family’s interactions. The study also notes that Mary’s spiritual grounding serves as a stabilizing force amid ongoing conflicts between logic and belief. Overall, the analysis reveals how her role extends beyond traditional motherhood, representing a deeper expression of identity, care, and personal empowerment within a patriarchal setting.

Keywords: Spiritual feminism, gender, matriarchal influence, spirituality, family dynamics

[This article belongs to Emerging Trends in Languages ]

How to cite this article:
Geeta, Dr. Amit Kumar. Matriarchal Influence and Spiritual Identity: Exploring Women’s Spirituality in Young Sheldon. Emerging Trends in Languages. 2025; 02(02):33-43.
How to cite this URL:
Geeta, Dr. Amit Kumar. Matriarchal Influence and Spiritual Identity: Exploring Women’s Spirituality in Young Sheldon. Emerging Trends in Languages. 2025; 02(02):33-43. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/etl/article=2025/view=238296


References

  1. Feminism and the womens movement–The Memory. 2024. Available from: https://geheugen.delpher.nl/en/geheugen/pages/collectie/Vrouwen+in+actie%21/Feminisme+en+vrouwenbeweging
  2. Cambridge Dictionary. Feminism. 2024 Dec 25. Available from: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/feminism
  3. Nahal C. Feminism in English Fiction: Forms and Variations. In: Feminism and Recent Fiction in English. Prestige Books; 1990. p. 77.
  4. Malinowska A. Waves of feminism. Int Encycl Gender Media Commun. 2020;1:1–7.
  5. Raina JA. Feminism: An Overview. Int J Res. 2017;4(13):3372–6.
  6. Saulnier CF. Incorporating feminist theory into social work practice: group work examples. Soc Work Groups. 2000;23(1):5–29.
  7. Ross SA. Feminist spirituality. In: Oxford Textbook of Spirituality in Healthcare. Oxford Academic; 2012. p. 32–6.
  8. Walters SD. Caught in the web: a critique of spiritual feminism. Berkeley J Sociol. 1985;30:15–40.
  9. Luff TL. Wicce: adding a spiritual dimension to feminism. Berkeley J Sociol. 1990;35:91–105.
  10. Wikipedia contributors. Young Sheldon. 2024 Dec 27. Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Young_Sheldon
  11. Xiong L. An analysis of humourous utterances in Young Sheldon based on relevance theory. Int J Front Sociol. 2022;4(10).
  12. Sui S. A conversation analysis of dialogues in Young Sheldon from the perspective of politeness principle. Commun Humanit Res. 2024;50(1):157–63.
  13. Fan H. An analysis of verbal humour from the perspective of the cooperative principle: a case study of Young Sheldon. Acad J Humanit Soc Sci. 2024;7(7).
  14. Zhao S. An analysis of the conversational implicature of ‘Little Sheldon’ from the perspective of violation of the cooperative principle. OALib. 2021;8(1):1–6.
  15. Halterman J, TV Insider. Iain Armitage on growing up on TV and what’s next for Young Sheldon. UWIRE Text. 2021 Oct 6;1.
  16. Young Sheldon. Season 1, Episode 2: A Rival Prodigy and Sir Isaac Neutron. CBS; 2017.
  17. Young Sheldon. Season 1, Episode 3: Poker, Faith, and Eggs. CBS; 2017.
  18. Young Sheldon. Season 1, Episode 4: The Mystery of the Secret Brother. CBS; 2017.
  19. Young Sheldon. Season 1, Episode 9: Spiritual Awakening. CBS; 2017.
  20. Young Sheldon. Season 1, Episode 22: The Hermit’s Path. CBS; 2017.
  21. Young Sheldon. Season 2, Episode 1: A High-Pitched Battle. CBS; 2018.
  22. Young Sheldon. Season 2, Episode 13: The Big Bear Precipitation. CBS; 2019.
  23. Young Sheldon. Season 2, Episode 14: The Quantum Ring. CBS; 2018.
  24. Young Sheldon. Season 2, Episode 15: A Brisket, Voodoo, and Cannonball Run. CBS; 2018.
  25. Young Sheldon. Season 2, Episode 22: The Matrimonial Momentum. CBS; 2018.
  26. Young Sheldon. Season 3, Episode 2: A Stomach Ache and a Misplaced Meeting. CBS; 2019.
  27. Young Sheldon. Season 3, Episode 4: The Maternal Capacitance. CBS; 2019
  28. Young Sheldon. Season 4, Episode 11: A Financial Secret and Fish Sauce. CBS; 2021.
  29. Young Sheldon. Season 4, Episode 15: A God-Fearin’ Baptist and a Hot Trophy Husband. CBS; 2021.
  30. Young Sheldon. Season 5, Episode 4: The Speckerman Recurrence. CBS; 2021
  31. Young Sheldon. Season 5, Episode 8: The Grandparents and a Grown-Up Fish. CBS; 2021.
Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 02
Issue 02
Received 01/04/2025
Accepted 11/11/2025
Published 28/11/2025
Publication Time 241 Days
67

Login


My IP

PlumX Metrics