7.2 The representation of social issues and marginalized groups in television

Television shapes how we see social groups and issues. It can reinforce stereotypes or challenge them. Representation matters because it affects how we view ourselves and others, especially for marginalized communities.

Over time, TV has evolved to show more diverse characters and stories. This change reflects shifting societal norms and activism. New platforms and changing demographics have also pushed for more inclusive content.

Representation in Television Programming

Patterns of Representation

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  Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination | Introduction to Sociology View original

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  Theoretical Perspectives of Race and Ethnicity | Introduction to Sociology View original

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  Accepting Difficult Emotions Surrounding Race Annotations – Youth Voices View original

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  Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination | Introduction to Sociology View original

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  Theoretical Perspectives of Race and Ethnicity | Introduction to Sociology View original

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  Accepting Difficult Emotions Surrounding Race Annotations – Youth Voices View original

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  Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination | Introduction to Sociology View original

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• Representation portrays and constructs social groups and issues in television content (fictional and non-fictional programming)
• Stereotyping attributes oversimplified characteristics to entire social groups
• Underrepresentation gives certain social groups or issues disproportionately less screen time compared to their societal presence
• Tokenism includes marginalized group members in a limited way to create an appearance of diversity
• Intersectionality examines how multiple social identities (race, gender, class, sexuality) interact in television portrayals
• Content analysis and media monitoring assess representation patterns quantitatively and qualitatively
• Symbolic annihilation describes the absence or trivialization of certain groups, erasing their existence or importance

Methodologies and Concepts

• Controlling images shape and reinforce societal perceptions of marginalized groups
• Media cultivation theory suggests heavy television viewing leads to adopting beliefs aligning with televised portrayals
• Parasocial contact hypothesis proposes positive portrayals of marginalized groups reduce prejudice
• Critical race theory and feminist media studies analyze race and gender representation
• Narrative plausibility examines how realistic marginalized community portrayals are perceived

Portrayal of Marginalized Communities

Representation Issues

• Marginalized communities face misrepresentation, including harmful stereotypes and limited character depth
• Representation affects self-perception and identity formation, particularly for marginalized community members
• Historical context shapes representation, reflecting and challenging societal norms of different eras
• Civil rights, women's liberation, and LGBTQ+ rights movements influenced diverse representation progression
• Regulatory policies (FCC diversity initiatives, equal employment opportunity rules) impacted on-screen and behind-the-scenes representation

Media Landscape Changes

• Cable television and streaming platforms led to more diverse and niche programming
• Changing demographics and globalization influenced inclusive programming creation
• Social media and online activism hold networks accountable for representation issues
• Colorblind casting evolved to intentional diverse casting practices
• Representation behind the camera (diverse writers, directors, producers) impacts on-screen portrayal authenticity

Evolution of Representation in Television

Historical Factors

• Television reflects and challenges societal norms and values of different eras
• Civil rights movement influenced representation of African Americans (The Cosby Show)
• Women's liberation movement led to more complex female characters (Murphy Brown)
• LGBTQ+ rights movement resulted in increased visibility of queer characters (Will & Grace)

Industry and Technology Influences

• Cable television emergence allowed for more diverse programming (BET, Lifetime)
• Streaming platforms created opportunities for niche content (Orange is the New Black)
• Changing demographics drove networks to produce inclusive shows (Fresh Off the Boat)
• Globalization expanded international content availability (Squid Game)
• Social media activism pressured networks to address representation issues (OscarsSoWhite movement)

Television and Social Stereotypes

Television's Societal Impact

• Television acts as a powerful socializing agent, shaping viewers' perceptions of social groups
• Exemplification theory explains how specific media examples influence understanding of social issues
• Counter-stereotypical representations challenge existing biases (Black Panther)
• Contact hypothesis applied to media suggests positive intergroup contact portrayals reduce prejudice
• Television influences public discourse and policy-making, reinforcing or challenging stereotypes
• Media literacy emphasizes critical viewing skills for recognizing biased representations

Representation Improvement Strategies

• Diverse writers, directors, and producers improve on-screen portrayal authenticity
• Intentional diverse casting practices replace colorblind casting approaches
• Content creators produce inclusive programming to appeal to diverse audiences (Crazy Rich Asians)
• Networks implement diversity initiatives to increase representation behind the scenes
• Audience feedback and criticism drive representation improvements in television programming