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Key Takeaways
Sexual scripts based on gender may have troubling implications fordating violence, so such research insights should be incorporated into developing responsive media literacy programming to better support youth.
What Does Gender Nonconforming Mean?
Understanding the Research
Initially, researchers conducted an online survey, which found that there was no association between scripted program viewing and endorsement of heteronormative behaviors among 574 high school students.
Gendered sexual scripts reflect expectations based on heteronormative assumptions that reinforce stereotypical gender and sexual roles, and often frame women as sexual objects.
A limitation of the research was the primarily white, middle-class samples that only made use of binary gender, so these findings may not be applicable to low-income, racialized, and gender-expansive youth.
What Is Media Psychology?
More Diverse Gender Representation Needed
Neuroscientist and clinical social workerRenetta Weaver, LCSW-C, says, “Gender stereotypes are based on society’s traditional standards of masculinity and femininity, where males are viewed as leaders who are hard, aggressive, competitive, vocal, and void of feelings, while women are viewed as softer, quiet, passive, emotional, and nurturing.”
Women are portrayed as sexually provocative and seductive for love, as Weaver notes that they are expected to settle for the sake of men, “while men are career-driven, promiscuous, and overall, self-focused,” she says.
“The researchers suggest that the difference was that the people in reality shows were thought to be leaders with real views, versus acting out a scripted role,” she says.
“More research can be conducted to determine the influence of television shows now, as opposed to in the past,” she says.
Renetta Weaver, LCSW-CThe researchers suggest that the difference was that the people in reality shows were thought to be leaders with real views, versus acting out a scripted role.
Renetta Weaver, LCSW-C
The researchers suggest that the difference was that the people in reality shows were thought to be leaders with real views, versus acting out a scripted role.
Weaver reflects, “In the past, certain topics weren’t discussed or embraced the way they are now, so it would be worth studying if today’s live-out-loud society is changing the influential power of television.”
Based on her therapy practice, Weaver wishes the public knew how empowering authentic diverse representation can be.
“Exposure to ideas outside of the confines of our own mind allows us to expand our worldview, and accept and embrace those who are different,” she says.
Weaver explains, “A lot of my work is centered on supporting my clients with discovering and embracing their identity. Many of my clients deal withconfusionbecause they feel differently on the inside than what people expect of them based on their outside appearance.”
“It expanded the definitions of masculinity, femininity, sexuality, relationships, etc.,” she says.
Weaver highlights, “For those who don’t fit into the stereotypical definition of masculinity and femininity,Posewas probably the first time they saw a positive representation of themselves in media. We know that representation matters because it eradicates stigma,shame, andguilt.”
Media-Literate Parental Discretion is Key
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner withMindpath Health,Summer R. Thompson, DNP, PMHNP-BC, says, “An interesting takeaway from this study is that media use may contribute to gender stereotypes; however, there are multiple limitations to this study.”
Thompson explains, “Limitations include that the study was conducted among white, middle-class adolescents, and from research, we know that minority youth consume media in very different ways.”
Since these findings were based on a correlational study, Thompson notes that this type of research seeks to understand if two things are related based on studies, but cannot confirm causality between the phenomena.
Summer R. Thompson, DNP, PMHNP-BCIf a significant heteronormative script is noted, then it creates an opportunity to discuss what [children] are watching and the many ways people can and do deviate from these heteronormative themes.
Summer R. Thompson, DNP, PMHNP-BC
If a significant heteronormative script is noted, then it creates an opportunity to discuss what [children] are watching and the many ways people can and do deviate from these heteronormative themes.
Thompson highlights, “Gendered scripts reflect stereotypes about gender-specific behaviors in relationships. Stereotypes of masculinity prioritize aggression, competition, and showing minimal emotion; femininity focuses on being emotional, caretaking, and appearance.”
“In contrast to this, women are expected to be passive and use their looks to attract men, and prioritize commitment,” she says.
Thompson recommends that parents ask their children about what they are watching and the themes of the different shows.
The Symptoms and Risks of Television Addiction
“If a significant heteronormative script is noted, then it creates an opportunity to discuss what they are watching and the many ways people can and do deviate from these heteronormative themes,” she says.
“Parents should be aware of the media their children are consuming with the understanding that it may influence their child’s emotional development,” she says.
What This Means For You
1 SourceVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Ward LM, Grower P, Reed LA.Living life as the bachelor/ette: Contributions of diverse television genres to adolescents’ acceptance of gendered sexual scripts.J Sex Res. 2022;59(1):13-25. doi:10.1080/00224499.2021.1891519
1 Source
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Ward LM, Grower P, Reed LA.Living life as the bachelor/ette: Contributions of diverse television genres to adolescents’ acceptance of gendered sexual scripts.J Sex Res. 2022;59(1):13-25. doi:10.1080/00224499.2021.1891519
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Ward LM, Grower P, Reed LA.Living life as the bachelor/ette: Contributions of diverse television genres to adolescents’ acceptance of gendered sexual scripts.J Sex Res. 2022;59(1):13-25. doi:10.1080/00224499.2021.1891519
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