Exploring the Intersection of Popular Culture and Gender: A Review of Recent Journal Articles
Popular culture and gender have always been closely intertwined, with films, TV shows, and music often reflecting and reinforcing societal norms and expectations. Recently, academic research has delved deeper into this intersection, examining how popular culture both reflects and shapes attitudes towards gender. In this article, we will review some of the most interesting and relevant journal articles published in the last few years on this topic.
1. Gender Representation in Popular Culture
One of the key themes that emerges from the literature is the lack of gender diversity in popular culture. Several studies have shown that women and other marginalized identities are underrepresented or misrepresented in film and TV, with men often receiving more complex and diverse roles. Moreover, when women are portrayed, they are often hypersexualized, objectified, and reduced to stereotypes.
For example, one study conducted by the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative analyzed the top-grossing films of 2018 and found that only 4% of the directors were female, while only 3.3% were from underrepresented racial or ethnic groups. Similarly, another study by the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media found that women made up only 31% of speaking characters in family films and were more likely to be shown in revealing clothing or as romantic interests.
2. The Impact of Popular Culture on Gender Attitudes
Another important area of research is the impact of popular culture on gender attitudes and behaviors. Some studies have suggested that exposure to media with gender-stereotyped content can lead to negative outcomes, such as reinforcing traditional gender roles, perpetuating prejudice and discrimination, and contributing to poor body image.
For example, a study published in the journal Psychology of Women Quarterly found that college women who watched more romantic comedies were more likely to believe in unrealistic relationship ideals and report more negative attitudes towards feminism. Similarly, another study found that women who were exposed to high levels of thin-ideal content (e.g. images of thin models) reported more negative body image and higher levels of disordered eating.
3. Opportunities for Change
Despite the many challenges and shortcomings of popular culture when it comes to gender representation and attitudes, there are also opportunities for change and progress. Some researchers have explored the potential of media literacy programs and interventions to help individuals critically engage with media content and challenge harmful stereotypes. Others have highlighted the importance of more diverse representation both on and off screen, with initiatives such as #OscarsSoWhite and #MeToo drawing attention to the need for greater inclusivity in the industry.
For example, one study published in the Journal of Social Issues explored the effectiveness of a media intervention program that aimed to reduce sexist attitudes and promote gender equity in high school students. The program consisted of four modules focusing on media awareness, gender and media, media and violence, and activism and media, and was found to significantly reduce sexist attitudes and increase awareness of gender issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the intersection of popular culture and gender is a rich and complex topic that has generated much interesting research in recent years. From the lack of diversity in representation to the impact of media on attitudes and behaviors, there is no shortage of issues to explore and address. Nonetheless, there are also opportunities for change and progress, with initiatives and interventions that can help challenge stereotypes and promote greater inclusivity in the media. As we continue to navigate this dynamic and evolving field, it is important to remain vigilant and critical, while also keeping an eye out for new and innovative solutions.
