3.1 Gender representation

Gender representation on TV has evolved significantly over time. From stereotypical portrayals of men as breadwinners and women as homemakers, shows now feature more diverse and complex gender roles and identities.

Feminist theory has shaped analysis of gender in TV, examining issues like objectification and intersectionality. Modern shows increasingly challenge traditional masculinity and femininity while improving LGBTQ+ representation, though work remains to be done.

Defining gender representation in TV

• Gender representation in TV refers to how masculinity, femininity, and non-binary identities are portrayed and constructed through characters, storylines, and themes
• Analyzing gender representation involves examining the roles, behaviors, and characteristics assigned to different genders, as well as the power dynamics and social norms that shape these portrayals
• In the context of Critical TV Studies, exploring gender representation helps to uncover the ways in which television both reflects and influences cultural understandings of gender

Historical overview of gender in TV

Stereotypical portrayals of men and women

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• Early television often relied on stereotypical gender roles, with men depicted as breadwinners and authority figures (fathers, bosses) and women as homemakers and nurturers (mothers, secretaries)
• These portrayals reinforced traditional gender norms and expectations, limiting the range of roles and characteristics available to male and female characters
• Examples of stereotypical gender portrayals include the devoted housewife (June Cleaver in "Leave It to Beaver") and the strong, silent male hero (John Wayne in various Western series)

Evolution of gender roles over time

• As social norms and attitudes towards gender have shifted, television has gradually begun to represent a wider range of gender roles and identities
• The rise of second-wave feminism in the 1960s and 1970s led to the emergence of more independent and career-oriented female characters (Mary Richards in "The Mary Tyler Moore Show")
• In recent decades, there has been a growing emphasis on complex, multi-dimensional characters that challenge traditional gender stereotypes and explore the diversity of gender experiences (Maura Pfefferman in "Transparent")

Feminist theory and gender in TV

Objectification and the male gaze

• Feminist media critics have argued that television often objectifies female characters, presenting them as sexual objects for the pleasure of a presumed male viewer
• The concept of the "male gaze," developed by Laura Mulvey, suggests that the camera and narrative perspective in media are often aligned with a heterosexual male point of view, prioritizing male desire and agency
• Examples of objectification and the male gaze in TV include the sexualized portrayal of female characters (the slow-motion shots of women in "Baywatch") and the use of women as decorative or passive elements in male-driven storylines

Intersectionality of gender, race, and class

• Intersectionality, a concept coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, emphasizes the ways in which different forms of oppression and identity (such as gender, race, and class) intersect and shape individuals' experiences
• In the context of TV, an intersectional analysis examines how gender representation is influenced by and interacts with other aspects of identity and social positioning
• For example, the portrayal of Black women in TV has often been shaped by specific stereotypes and tropes (the "strong Black woman" or the "angry Black woman") that differ from those applied to white women or Black men

Masculinity in TV

Traditional vs non-traditional masculinity

• Traditional masculinity in TV often emphasizes traits such as strength, stoicism, aggression, and dominance, as embodied by characters like John Wayne's Western heroes or James Bond
• Non-traditional masculinity, in contrast, involves the portrayal of male characters who deviate from these narrow expectations, embracing vulnerability, emotionality, and non-conformity to gender norms
• Examples of non-traditional masculinity in TV include sensitive and nurturing father figures (Phil Dunphy in "Modern Family") and male characters who challenge toxic masculine behaviors (Ramy in "Ramy")

Toxic masculinity and its consequences

• Toxic masculinity refers to a set of harmful attitudes and behaviors associated with traditional masculine norms, such as violence, misogyny, homophobia, and emotional repression
• TV has often perpetuated toxic masculinity through the glorification of aggressive, domineering male characters and the marginalization of alternative masculinities
• However, some TV shows have also explored the negative consequences of toxic masculinity, such as the emotional and psychological toll on men who feel pressured to conform to narrow gender expectations (Don Draper's struggles in "Mad Men")

Femininity in TV

Stereotypes of femininity and domesticity

• Stereotypical portrayals of femininity in TV have often emphasized traits such as passivity, emotionality, and a focus on domestic roles and responsibilities
• Female characters have frequently been depicted as wives, mothers, and homemakers, with their identities and storylines revolving around their relationships to men and the domestic sphere
• Examples of these stereotypes include the idealized housewife (Donna Reed in "The Donna Reed Show") and the female character whose primary role is to support and nurture male protagonists (Marge Simpson in "The Simpsons")

Strong female characters and empowerment

• In response to criticisms of limited and stereotypical representations of women, there has been a growing emphasis on "strong female characters" in TV
• These characters are often portrayed as independent, assertive, and capable, breaking free from traditional feminine roles and expectations
• Examples of strong female characters include action heroines (Buffy in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"), career-focused women (Olivia Pope in "Scandal"), and complex, multi-dimensional female protagonists (Piper Chapman in "Orange Is the New Black")
• However, some critics argue that the "strong female character" trope can still be limiting, as it often defines female empowerment in masculine terms and fails to capture the full range of women's experiences

LGBTQ+ representation in TV

Queer-coding and subtext

• Historically, LGBTQ+ representation in TV was often limited to subtextual hints or coded references, due to censorship and social taboos surrounding non-heterosexual identities
• Queer-coding involves the use of stereotypes, mannerisms, or narrative elements to imply a character's LGBTQ+ identity without explicitly stating it
• Examples of queer-coding in TV include the flamboyant, effeminate mannerisms of male characters (Liberace in his various TV appearances) and the close, intimate friendships between same-gender characters that are never explicitly romantic (Xena and Gabrielle in "Xena: Warrior Princess")

Explicit LGBTQ+ characters and storylines

• In recent decades, there has been a significant increase in the visibility and diversity of LGBTQ+ characters and storylines in TV
• Explicit LGBTQ+ representation involves characters who are openly identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer, and whose identities and experiences are central to their characterization and narrative arcs
• Examples of groundbreaking LGBTQ+ representation in TV include the coming-out storyline of Ellen Morgan in "Ellen," the transgender protagonist of "Transparent," and the diverse queer ensemble of "Pose"
• However, LGBTQ+ characters and storylines still face issues of stereotyping, tokenism, and the "bury your gays" trope, in which queer characters are disproportionately killed off or given tragic endings

Gender and genre in TV

Gendered expectations in different genres

• Different TV genres often come with their own set of gendered expectations and conventions, shaping the roles and characteristics available to male and female characters
• For example, soap operas and romantic comedies have traditionally focused on female characters and their relationships, while action and crime dramas have centered on male protagonists and masculine themes of violence and power
• These gendered genre conventions can reinforce traditional gender norms and limit the range of representation available to characters of different genders

Subversion of gender tropes by genre

• Some TV shows and genres have actively worked to subvert and challenge gendered expectations, offering alternative representations of masculinity, femininity, and non-binary identities
• For example, the science fiction and fantasy genres have often provided space for exploring non-traditional gender roles and identities, such as the gender-fluid characters in "Star Trek: Discovery" or the matriarchal societies in "Game of Thrones"
• Other genres, such as the sitcom, have increasingly featured characters who break free from traditional gender norms, such as the stay-at-home dad in "Workin' Moms" or the sexually empowered female characters in "Broad City"

Gender and power dynamics in TV

Gendered power imbalances in relationships

• TV has often depicted gendered power imbalances in romantic and familial relationships, with male characters holding more authority, agency, and control than their female counterparts
• These imbalances can be seen in the portrayal of male characters as decision-makers and leaders within the family (Tony Soprano in "The Sopranos"), or in the subordination of female characters to male desire and agency (the female characters in "Mad Men")
• However, some TV shows have also explored the ways in which female characters navigate and resist these power imbalances, such as the complex power dynamics between Claire and Frank Underwood in "House of Cards"

Sexual violence and harassment in TV

• Sexual violence and harassment are pervasive issues in society that are often reflected and explored in television narratives
• TV shows have depicted various forms of sexual violence and harassment, including rape, sexual assault, domestic abuse, and workplace harassment
• Examples include the portrayal of sexual assault in "Unbelievable," the exploration of domestic violence in "Big Little Lies," and the depiction of workplace sexual harassment in "The Morning Show"
• While these storylines can raise awareness and spark important conversations, they also run the risk of sensationalizing or normalizing sexual violence if not handled with sensitivity and care

Impacts of gender representation on audiences

Reinforcement of gender norms and expectations

• Gender representation in TV can have a significant impact on viewers' perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors related to gender roles and identities
• Stereotypical and limited portrayals of masculinity and femininity can reinforce traditional gender norms and expectations, shaping how audiences understand and perform gender in their own lives
• For example, the repeated portrayal of women as primarily focused on romance and appearance can contribute to the internalization of these expectations among female viewers, while the glorification of aggressive masculinity can encourage male viewers to adopt similar behaviors

Potential for challenging and transforming gender

• At the same time, TV has the potential to challenge and transform gender norms and expectations by offering diverse, complex, and subversive representations of gender
• Positive and inclusive portrayals of LGBTQ+ characters, non-traditional gender roles, and intersectional identities can help to broaden viewers' understanding of gender and promote acceptance and equality
• For example, shows like "RuPaul's Drag Race" and "Pose" have celebrated gender diversity and provided visibility for marginalized gender identities, while series like "Jane the Virgin" and "Scandal" have featured complex, empowered female characters who challenge traditional expectations of femininity
• By exposing audiences to a wide range of gender representations and experiences, TV has the power to shape cultural attitudes and contribute to the ongoing evolution of gender norms and identities