The Representation of Female Identity in Contemporary American and Uzbek Women’s Novels (2010–2022): a Comparative Analysis of Cultural Values and Narrative Strategies

Abstract

This research provides a comparative analysis of the evolution and representation of female identity in American and Uzbek novels authored by women between 2010 and 2022. The study aims to investigate how diverging cultural paradigms—specifically Western individualism and Eastern collectivist traditions—influence the portrayal of female protagonists. By employing a comparative narratological approach, the article examines the literary techniques used to depict women's internal struggles, social roles, and quests for autonomy.

Findings reveal that while contemporary American narratives (such as those by Jesmyn Ward or Celeste Ng) often prioritize psychological liberation and the deconstruction of systemic barriers, Uzbek women’s prose (represented by authors like Zulfiya Qurolboy qizi or Gulsara Sa’dullayeva) frequently navigates the tension between ancestral customs and modern self-realization. The analysis highlights that despite distinct cultural backgrounds, both literatures demonstrate a shared shift toward more complex, multi-layered female characters who challenge traditional gender scripts. This study contributes to the field of comparative literature by identifying cross-cultural narrative strategies that define global womanhood in the 21st century.