The Handmaid’s Tale Social Rankings: Shocking Truths

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In the fourth episode of Season 6 in The Handmaid’s Tale, titled ‘Promotion’, June is depicted slipping back into Gilead, skillfully disguising herself as a Martha by wearing a simple uniform and mask. This helps her effortlessly mingle with the masses.

In the ascension of the Republic of Gilead, I found myself labeled as a Handmaid. This wasn’t just because of my reproductive capabilities, but also due to a false accusation of adultery, stemming from my husband having previously been wed.

According to the strict, patriarchal religious doctrine initially set forth by the Sons of Jacob, divorce is not acknowledged, rendering any subsequent marriages as invalid. On the other hand, I, a humble resident of Gilead, find myself elevated to the esteemed rank of Commander’s Wife – the pinnacle of female status within this society.

In Margaret Atwood’s novel “The Handmaid’s Tale,” the roles of Handmaids, Marthas, Commanders, and Guardians are introduced. These characters play a vital part in unveiling the strict hierarchical system that controls what was once known as America. Readers should be cautioned that some might find this material disturbing.

What is a Martha?

In the novel “The Handmaid’s Tale,” a Martha is a woman who carries out household chores or works in industrial settings like laundries within the nation of Gilead. This role can be found either in the homes of Commanders and their wives, or in other workplaces.

Although Gilead emphasizes clean water and lacks chemicals, it’s important to note that Martha workers, who don’t have to bear children, face harsher conditions in the industrial laundries than Handmaids or Wives would, due to these conditions being deemed too dangerous for them.

Individuals assigned to households usually handle duties like cooking meals, cleaning, and managing the overall home, frequently providing service to the Commander’s family.

Martha’s social status is typically lower as they are frequently either infertile or unmarried, which places them at a disadvantage in society. However, their past experiences spare them from being labeled “Unwomen” (a term to be explained later) – this is only a temporary reprieve. Their status changes once they’re no longer considered useful.

In the Hulu series, it’s Rita, previously a servant in the Commander Waterford household, who is the most well-known Martha. She has fled to Canada but intends to come back to the supposedly “liberated” New Bethlehem in Gilead, where she will no longer be bound by her role as a Martha.

The Handmaid’s Tale social hierarchy for women

In the world of Gilead, women’s independence is taken away, and their roles are categorized according to assumed purity, fertility, and submissiveness. Notably, as is often the case in flawed societies, connections and influence play a significant role as well.

In this analysis of the societal structure shown in The Handmaid’s Tale, we move from the most powerful to the least influential:

1. Commanders and their Wives
2. The Handmaids
3. Marthas
4. Econowife and Econopet
5. Jezebels
6. Unwomen (also known as the “Unpeople”)
7. Chaste Children of Hamilton-Richardson (the children born from the unions between Commanders and Handmaids)
8. The Outsiders (those living outside Gilead)

Commander’s Wife

In the society of Gilead, a woman holding the role of Commander’s Wife occupies the most influential position. These women typically wear dresses in the color teal and, due to their frequent infertility, rely on Handmaids to conceive children.

Within the household, they possess some power, but ultimately defer to their husbands and the dominant patriarchal structure. For example, they are unable to learn to read or write, nor do they have jobs.

As a devoted fan, I’d like to highlight Serena Joy. In the initial seasons of this gripping dystopian series, she exerts power through her husband’s role but is often thwarted by the very laws she helped shape (ending up losing her pinky finger when she tried to promote scripture studies).

Aunt

Aunts are the only females who have permission to read, write, and exercise authority over other women in this society. They train and discipline Handmaids rigorously, often with a fierce adherence to Gilead’s strict rules. Their loyalty is compensated with a degree of personal freedom, but their power stemms from inflicting harshness on others.

In the totalitarian system, women’s decisions regarding men are always overruled. Aunt Lydia, a notorious figure, often employs harsh methods such as electric prods and other painful tactics to enforce obedience among the female subjects known as Handmaids.

Econowife

As a devoted admirer, I’d like to share some insights about the wives of the common folk in this setting, known as “Econowives.” Unlike the Handmaids or Marthas, they don’t hold the prestigious positions within society. Their husbands, referred to as “Economen,” lack the status and power that would afford them such roles.

Econowives are tasked with a multitude of responsibilities, acting as wives, mothers, and housekeepers all in one. They are easily identifiable by their attire – clothing adorned with stripes, symbolizing their versatile role within the community.

In case you recall, June resides at an economical family’s household, where the wife seems less than pleased with her presence (most likely because of the potential consequences it might bring). Unlike the book, the wives on the Hulu show wear grey attire in the series, making them more inconspicuous.

Though not as esteemed or safeguarded as Commanders’ Wives, Econowives enjoy a greater degree of liberty compared to Handmaids.

Martha 

It’s been noted that Martha characters, typically representing infertile or elderly women, are often assigned household or factory duties. Dressed in drab green, they perform cooking, cleaning, and house management tasks. Interestingly, they often maintain hidden resistance movements beneath their seemingly ordinary facade.

They often hold a lower social position, yet they’re frequently unnoticed – which makes them excellent partners for covert operations such as the Mayday movement.

Handmaid

It’s possible to make the point that Handmaids hold a greater status than Marthas, mainly because they are considered more significant by several Commanders for their unique ability to satisfy their sexual needs and give birth to their children.

In contrast, unlike others who can operate covertly, Handmaids are compelled into a form of forced sexual labor. They are identifiable by their red clothing and are assigned to Commanders to bear children for the Commanders’ Wives.

Unlike those who can remain hidden, Handmaids are obligated into sexual servitude. Distinctively dressed in red, they serve Commanders by conceiving children on behalf of the Commanders’ Wives.

They reside perpetually under watchful eyes, facing regular intimidation, and what is falsely labeled as “the Ceremony,” which, in reality, is a form of systematic sexual violence.

At various times, June, Emily, and Moira each served as Handmaids, yet they persistently battled not just for their own relief from suffering but also for the liberation of every woman who has endured oppression at the hands of Gilead.

Unwoman

People at the bottom of the societal ladder, often referred to as “Unwomen,” are frequently considered worthless to society. This can be due to various reasons such as age, infertility, rebelliousness, or being part of the LGBTQ+ community, which is unfortunately labeled as committing “gender treachery.

In the Colonies, they are sent and forced to labor in hazardous waste areas until they perish, or they could potentially find themselves at Jezebels, an unofficial brothel frequented by Commanders (as is the case with Janine in The Handmaid’s Tale Season 6).

Being labeled as “Unwoman” effectively means a death sentence for most, unless one has influential connections or is exceptionally favored, much like Holly, June’s mother.

As a devoted fan, I’m sharing a guide to help you know when the next episode from The Handmaid’s Tale Season 6 will be available. If you haven’t seen the first three episodes yet, don’t worry! You can catch up with our recaps for Episode 1, Episode 2, and Episode 3.

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2025-04-14 20:49