Abstract
This paper will explore the way gender is portrayed within the popular Marvel Cinematic Universe. It will explore literature and studies regarding gender roles as well as how they relate to the relatively few female characters within this universe as well as issues relating to gender within the Superhero genre as a whole. This paper will also look at how female characters are treated by other characters, their relative importance, the gendered stereotypes that they are bound to, and the relationship between the fans of Marvel and the Marvel company itself. This paper will make an argument that while the Marvel Cinematic Universe has made steps toward equal gender representation, many issues relating to this can still be found within it and must be addressed and solved.