In the 1960s Britain was used to a patriarchal society in which men were superior and 'stronger'. the Avengers challenges this stereotype and gives women a new sense of identity through the main female role Emma Peel. it was uncommon for women to have such a prominent role on TV Emma Peel being a strong female lead, illustrates the drastic change in gender equality at the time. We see Emma living in a large flat on her own in London, with is done-up, this portrays her as a successful character and a young women who is independent, doesn't need a man to rely on and can easily look after herself. We even see her connote more sporty characteristics which were seen as only for men at the time, for example fencing- in which Emma challenges Steed, showing how Women are men's equal as she gives a strong fight almost beating Steed, in the end we see her loose to steed showing the rise in equality but also demonstrating how men are still slightly superior and we shouldn't get ahead of ourselves. when she walks away Steed slaps her bottom, this conveys the dominance at the time as in modern times this would be harassment and go straight to the police, whereas this is normal as men often sexualised women and they could do nothing about it, as this is the way they were perceived at the time.
Steed also asks Emma to get him some tea, she immediately rejects his offer and tells him to 'go get it himself' this was a big shock for people at the time as may peoples views were that women belonged in the kitchen, looking after her children and cooking for the men. this showed how women were beginning to retain a voice and that men could no longer tell them what to do, as Emma depicts a powerful young women who gets what she wants. The Avengers clearly challenges this stereotype as this kind of comment would shock the audience of this time as women classically did exactly what men wanted.
Emma Peel is also represented in tight outfits, leather etc. which sexualise her showing how men saw women at the time, and what they were seen as. this follows clear stereotypes of the 1960s and how men were towards women in society which at the time was completely acceptable for a man to treat a women this way, which meets the classic actions of a typical man in the 1960s.