10 most feminist moments in Mad Men’s 1960s sea of misogyny

“Farewell to Mad Men” still, image via AMC

Peggy flexes on her first day in the office

When we’re introduced to Peggy Olson, it is quickly established how the men and women function separately at the Sterling Cooper Advertising Agency. As Joan Holloway shows Peggy around the office for the first time, it becomes clear that a woman’s role in the office is only to serve the men. As Joan puts it, the male executive at Sterling Cooper wants his secretary to function as a “mother and a waitress and the rest of the time, well…” Aside from Joan telling Peggy this point-blank, the point is reinforced when mid-level execs Ken Cosgrove, Harry Crane, and Paul Kinsey objectify Peggy on her first elevator ride up to the office.

Fortunately, Peggy is assigned to assist Don Draper, a match that charts the course for this entire show. Don, unlike the rest of the men Peggy encounters on her first day, treats her like a human. He clearly is a cut above the rest of the men in the office (to an extent), exercising more professionalism than the likes of Pete Campbell (who seemingly “left his manners at the fraternity house,” as Don says). He cracks the whip with Peggy from the outset, but he is not predatory with her.

Peggy’s first “flex” is a small but important gesture: when Don instructs her to keep Pete occupied outside of his office at one point (“Entertain him,” Don says), she simply asks, “Do I have to?” Don initially bristles at the challenge but then softens and agrees with her. “You have a point,” he says. In this small moment of validation, we see a glimmer of the future Peggy Olson, and an example of the tenacious platonic bond between Peggy and Don. Her small challenge to her one-dimensional role represents a greater historical shift in the American work force for women.