How Family Is Reflected through Television

Paper Summary:

This paper compares television family sitcoms of the past to the family sitcoms of the present and suggests that their changing nature is an indication that television is just reflecting the changes in society and not, as critics argue, that society is a reflection of television shows. It argues that, were television programs truly driving societal behavior, the sitcoms would not have changed so drastically, since the male-dominated television industry would have had an interest in maintaining the more flattering male image of television men from the past.

From the Paper:

"Leave it to Beaver is the epitome of a white, middle class suburban family with an authoritarian male role model. Ward Cleaver clearly wore the pants in the family as the sole bread earner. Throughout the series, Ward's job is never discussed and he is never shown in the work setting, but the image is that he has a respected professional position that affords the family a very comfortable standard of living. Some theorize that the neglect to mention Ward's work symbolizes the mystification and exclusionary nature of the working male at the time. June, Ward's mate, is a submissive house wife who manages to always look beautiful even while maintaining an immaculate house."

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