Perpetuating gender stereotypes from birth: Analysis of TV programs for viewers in diapers

Dafna Lemish, Nelly Elias

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

A content analysis of seventy episodes of infants’ and toddlers’ programs broadcast during 2017 on BabyTV and Luli channels in Israel revealed a mixed bag of conservative and more progressive gender-related messages, with persistent domination of white male characters and gender-appropriate characteristics and appearances. The analysis uncovered a significant category of genderless characters who were constructed, to a large degree, as devoid of meaning: They do not have personality characteristics, they are not part of a family and do not have friends, they do not lead activities, and most importantly, they have no voice. The implications of these representations and the messages they convey about gender for the very young are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Palgrave Handbook of Children's Film and Television
EditorsCasie Hermansson, Janet Zepernick
PublisherPalgrave Macmillan Cham
Pages487-505
Number of pages19
Edition1
ISBN (Electronic)9783030176204
ISBN (Print)9783030176228
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2019

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