Gender Roles on TV

Paper Summary:

The paper states that now more than ever, the public holds dear the perception that women are gaining equal status on television, in the workplace, and in society. The paper then asserts that, while on the surface many television shows suggest women are empowered, there are still many areas where women are taking "a backseat to the boys." This paper addresses the status of women on television compared with their actual status in society, using a comprehensive review of research acquired through peer related journals.

From the Paper:

"Glennon & Butsch note in a study of gender roles on television, conducted between 1946 and 1978, that while televisions stories often match social and economic changes within society, "the relationship between women and men remains the same" where men are often seen as the authoritative figure, especially in programs geared toward family viewers . Some studies suggest gender roles vary depending on the type or theme of programming. As mentioned, there is research suggesting family shows or those focusing on family life tend to continue portraying men as the primary "breadwinners" at least historically (Douglas & Olson 409). Only recently have women begun taking on more powerful roles, like the role Gina Davis played in "Commander In Chief" suggesting women have the desire and potential role to be authority figures. This sentiment has yet to be proven however, as a sentiment mirrored in society. As yet, there have been no female presidents, and it is only now that a woman, Hillary Clinton, is being considered a serious candidate for the Democratic Party. Will she win? That depends on how society feels about her skills, and perhaps her gender.
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Sample of Sources Used:

• Cantor, M.G. "The American family on television: From Molly Goldberg to Bill Cosby."
• Journal of Comparative Family Studies, 22.1: 1991, 205-207.
• Douglas, Susan. "Signs of Intelligent Life on TV." Signs of Life in the U.S.A. 5th ed. Sonia Maasik and Jack Solomon. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2006. 270-74.
• Douglas, Susan. Sitcom Women: "We've Come a Long Way. Maybe." Ms., 1995, Nove-Dec: 76-80.
• Douglas, William & Olson, Beth. "The Family on Television: Evaluation of Gender

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