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Assessing Gender-Related Portrayals in Top-Grossing G-Rated Films

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Abstract

The purpose of this content analysis was to examine gender-related portrayals in popular G-rated films. Our research questions addressed the prevalence and nature of males and females in general-audience fare. To answer our research queries, 101 of the top-grossing box office films released theatrically in the United States and Canada from 1990 to early 2005 were assessed. The results showed that males outnumber females by a ratio of 2.57 to 1, which has not changed in fifteen years. Females were more likely than males to be young and depicted traditionally. In terms of personality traits, females were more likely to be smart, good, and beautiful than were males.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Southern California, Annenberg School for Communication, 3502 Watt Way, Suite 222, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA

    Stacy L. Smith, Katherine M. Pieper, Amy Granados & Marc Choueiti

Authors
  1. Stacy L. Smith
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  2. Katherine M. Pieper
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  3. Amy Granados
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  4. Marc Choueiti
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Correspondence to Stacy L. Smith.

Additional information

This project was funded by resources raised by Geena Davis for the See Jane Program and the Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism.

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Smith, S.L., Pieper, K.M., Granados, A. et al. Assessing Gender-Related Portrayals in Top-Grossing G-Rated Films. Sex Roles 62, 774–786 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-009-9736-z

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