Abstract
Purpose
Because popular media such as movies can both reflect and contribute to changes in
cultural norms and values, we examined gender differences and trends in the portrayal
of sexual and violent content in top-grossing films from 1950 to 2006.
Methods
The sample included 855 of the top-grossing films released over 57 years, from 1950
to 2006. The number of female and male main characters and their involvement in sexual
and violent behavior were coded and analyzed over time. The relationships between
sexual and violent behavior within films were also assessed.
Results
The average number of male and female main characters in films has remained stable
over time, with male characters outnumbering female characters by more than two to
one. Female characters were twice as likely as male characters to be involved in sex,
with differences in more explicit sex growing over time. Violence has steadily increased
for both male and female characters.
Conclusions
Although women continue to be underrepresented in films, their disproportionate portrayal
in more explicit sexual content has grown over time. Their portrayal in violent roles
has also grown, but at the same rate as men. Implications of exposure to these trends
among young movie-going men and women are discussed.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: April 25, 2012
Accepted:
February 8,
2012
Received:
October 27,
2011
Identification
Copyright
© 2012 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
