Who Saves the Animated World?: the Sex-Role Stereotyping of Superheroes and Superheroines in Children's Animated Programs

• Other Authors: Baker, Kaysee Anne (authoraut)
• Format: Others
• Language: English; English
• Published: Florida State University
• Subjects: Sex (Psychology)
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_migr_etd-0962

This study investigates the stereotypic ways in which superheroes and superheroines are portrayed in children's animated programs. Previous studies have concluded that both animated males and females are presented in traditional sex-role stereotypic ways. Therefore, it was expected that heroic characters would be portrayed similarly. Of the 61 programs recorded, 24 contained heroic characters resulting in 46 superheroes and 24 superheroines. Each character was evaluated on physical appearance, personality traits, physical behaviors, and communicative behaviors. T-tests indicated significant differences between males and females, with superheroines portrayed as more attractive, emotional, superficial, inquisitive, easily excited, and worried about appearance compared to their male counterparts. Superheroes were presented as muscular, tough, angry, and more likely to threaten others compared to females. The potential implications of presenting characters in sex-role stereotypic ways are explored. === A Thesis submitted to the Department of Communication in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. === Degree Awarded: Spring Semester, 2004. === Date of Defense: March 24, 2004. === Gender Roles, Cartoons, Stereotyping === Includes bibliographical references. === Arthur A. Raney, Professor Directing Thesis; Laura M. Arpan, Committee Member; Donnalyn Pompper, Committee Member.