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Genre Matters: An Examination of Women Working Behind the Scenes and On-screen Portrayals in Reality and Scripted Prime-Time Programming

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Abstract

A content analysis of prime-time programming on the six US broadcast networks revealed unexpected differences between scripted programs and reality programs. Past research posited and found that women working in powerful behind-the-scenes roles are associated with greater on-screen representation of female characters and more egalitarian portrayals of conflict and its resolution. Although our hypotheses were confirmed for scripted programs, the presence of women behind the scenes on reality programs was negatively related to on-screen representation. Further, women behind the scenes on reality programs were less effective at eliminating gender differences in the portrayal of conflict resolution.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Communication, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA

    Martha M. Lauzen, David M. Dozier & Elizabeth Cleveland

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  1. Martha M. Lauzen
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  2. David M. Dozier
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  3. Elizabeth Cleveland
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Correspondence to Martha M. Lauzen.

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Lauzen, M.M., Dozier, D.M. & Cleveland, E. Genre Matters: An Examination of Women Working Behind the Scenes and On-screen Portrayals in Reality and Scripted Prime-Time Programming. Sex Roles 55, 445–455 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-006-9100-5

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