The TV Father

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the stereotypes and gender ideologies surrounding popular television shows. It speaks specifically of the father role and how its portrayal has changed over time, as well as the family in general. Compares the 1950's show "Leave it to Beaver" to the modern show "The Cosby Show".

From the Paper:

"In a day where you can sit down and watch any number of shows representing the absent father, the womanizing father, the couch potato father, or any combination of the three, shows "Leave it to Beaver" of the 1950's and "The Cosby Show" of the 1980's and 1990's seem to offer a refreshing alternative. Both shows were popular and influential in their time, centered on the dynamics of a nuclear family. In examining the father role portrayed in an episode of each show, one can see that while our definitions and ideas of a "family" have changed through time, we still have a long way to go before we move away from the male stereotypes that infiltrate our lives through our television sets."

More papers on The TV Father:

• Analytical Essay # 142830 : "Family in the Media: "Malcolm in the Middle"
• Film Review # 148821 : "TV's Portrayal of the Working Class"
• Research Paper # 113739 : "The Simpsons" and Gender Roles"

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