HMNT 3001C Week 5 Modern Popular Culture

HMNT 3001C Week 5 Modern Popular Culture Abstract:

Modern Popular Culture: Exploring Gender in Film and TV Shows

Introduction:

Modern popular culture is shaped by various societal artifacts, with film and TV shows being two significant influences that impact and shape conversations about social issues. Gender has emerged as a popular and crucial topic globally, and its representation in popular culture has evolved over time. This project aims to explore the historical context of gender representation in television, the influence of access to popular culture on society, and the reciprocal relationship between popular culture and societal values.

Television has long been a powerful medium for shaping social perceptions and gender roles. In the past, TV shows portrayed men as intelligent providers and protectors, while women were often depicted as simple-minded stay-at-home parents.

HMNT 3001C Week 5 Modern Popular Culture

However, societal perspectives and values have shifted, recognizing women’s capabilities beyond traditional gender roles. Present-day television content reflects these changing values, featuring strong and independent female characters who challenge gender stereotypes.

Access and Community:

Popular culture, including films and TV shows, has been disseminated through various media channels, significantly impacting society. Streaming services have become dominant platforms for accessing popular culture, with cable TV losing ground. Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime have significant control over the distribution of films and TV shows, shaping viewers’ preferences and choices. However, the rising costs associated with streaming services raise questions about accessibility for all individuals.

Change:

HMNT 3001C Week 5 Modern Popular Culture

Society plays a pivotal role in defining and accepting social norms, with movies and TV shows serving as a reflection and influencer of these norms. Gender roles have been traditionally depicted in media, portraying men as strong and logical, and women as weak and emotional. However, contemporary society is challenging these stereotypes, and popular culture is responding by showcasing strong and independent women in leading roles. TV shows like “9-1-1 Lone Star” depict women as capable leaders and breadwinners, reshaping the perception of gender roles.

Conclusion:

As society evolves, so does popular culture. Gender roles portrayed in film and TV shows have transformed over time, reflecting the changing values and acceptance of diverse roles for men and women. The media has played a crucial role in shaping societal perceptions and promoting more inclusive representations. As film and TV shows continue to be influential cultural artifacts, they will remain at the forefront of reflecting and shaping society’s values.

References:

Davis, D. M. (1990). Portrayals of Women in Prime-Time Network Television: Some Demographic Characteristics. Sex Roles, 23(5–6), 325–332.

Frendo, D. (2019). Gender stereotypes in TV series. ReelRundown. Retrieved from https://reelrundown.com/tv/Gender-Stereotypes-in-TV-series

Kain, E. (2022). Is Netflix worth it anymore? Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2022/03/17/netflix-price-increase-password-sharing-crackdown-new-content/?sh=5c497af82b71

Rubie-Davies, C. M., Liu, S., & Lee, K. (2013). Watching each other: Portrayals of gender and ethnicity in television advertisements. Journal of Social Psychology, 153(2), 175–195.

Tiwari, K. (Ed.). (2019). Gender and popular culture: Identity constructions and representations. Cambridge Scholars Publisher. Walden University, LLC. (2018). Defining social issues in the context of modern popular culture [PDF file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.