The several women who figure significantly in the plot have roles of power and powerlessness but not necessarily because of a male dominated society. Other factors include political connection, socio-economic status, knowledge as power, willingness to undertake criminal behavior, and, of course, romantic entanglements. Whether they are looked down on or up to is thus a more complex question. You might contrasts viewpoints of moral authority vs. absolute power. Generally, the characters of the women are more serious than the mindset of our frocklisome foursome. Good luck on your paper; I think you have rich topic to mine.