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Phoebe Oh
Period 2
March 1, 2016

You Are What You Watch: How Gender in Film Affects Children
I. Introduction
By the time most children are four years old, they have preconceived notions on what gender is,
as well as general gender role behavior in how either males or females should and are expected
to behave (Healthy Children). As interesting as this is, the most fascinating part is why. With a
combination of the childs guardians and the culture around them, the expectations placed upon
them based on their gender is inevitable and unavoidable. However, with an extreme increase in
the amount of entertainment children view (Youth Voices), one should begin to question how far
the influence of television and film on children actually reaches. It is easy to believe that
entertainment can be a major factor on children as an outside influence and thus have a large
impact on the childs mindsets and beliefs, but the real question is the true extent of the impact.
This research centers around the effect of repeatedly exposing children to negative gender
portrayals in PG rated film, and how that effect can be removed entirely by eliminating said
portrayals. The root of the problem, or the portrayals themselves, create a lack of positive gender
representation both in terms of numbers and depth. Broadcasting such a blatant degree of
inequality can influence childrens ideas, especially considering that their brains are not fully
developed (Association for Natural Psychology). These beliefs are not only simple influences
that can be ignored, but are constantly being reinforced throughout almost all of present day
culture, which thus leads to a more negative set of ideas and stereotypes (Solomon). Repeatedly

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exposing children to negative gender portrayals in PG rated film has a paramount influence on
the way children view males and females socially, physically, and psychologically.
II. Even in present day society, the current variety and examples of gender portrayals and
stereotypes present in PG rated film may range in their detailed qualities, but the general idea of
them is almost all the same and can be categorized into a few specific groups and themes. More
often than not, males are portrayed with stereotypes that are just as negative as those of females.
Although the sexism exemplified in modern entertainment has become a more popular issue
especially as of late, few groups or individuals pay as much attention to the inequality in the
portrayals of males as they do to that of females. This is not to say that one is more important
than the other, but instead that any sort of inequality and sexism is unacceptable. For instance,
men and boys in film, especially those of which are displayed as protagonists and leaders, are
shown to match stereotypical definitions of masculinity in current culture and society. In fact,
fictional males are more often associated with the public sphere of work and the issues and
problems related to work are more significant than personal issues (MediaSmarts). Not only are
they portrayed to fit a specific mold of masculinity, much like women are in their femininity, but
men are similarly limited in their portrayals socially, albeit in different aspects than that of
females. Furthermore, not only in film, but in entertainment in general, men can be shown via
commercials as an ideal for viewers, often being stereotypically attractive and muscular,
extremely carefree and optimistic, content in their relationships, et cetera (Wolska). While these
negative stereotypes are constantly being perpetuated in film, so are those of females. Women
and girls are repeatedly displayed negatively, both in terms of harmful and overused stereotypes
as well as unrealistic characters. In fact, they are shown to be impossible creatures that can
barely even be categorized as human. Women, regardless of either their age or culture, are

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portrayed as weak and completely codependent on men (Neeland). Girls and women are rarely
shown to be leaders themselves, and instead depend on men, who are often portrayed as natural
leaders themselves. Additionally, the women also express romantic interest in the males that they
are dependent on, which may or may not be reciprocated (MediaSmarts). Every aspect of their
existence centers around men, and their interactions with other women focus on the males in
their lives (Sargent). This furthers the objectification of women by emphasizing the idea of how
little they are worth if their only purpose is to serve men. In fact, womens lack of representation
and fair portrayals inspired an American cartoonist named Alison Bechdel to create what is
referred to as the Bechdel Test. This test, while applied to many forms of entertainment, is often
used for films, and can only be passed if at least two women are present, they have a
conversation with one another without a male present, and do not address men throughout the
entire exchange. Almost all popular, high-grossing films of varying ratings fail to show women
as anything other than an object to influence the men around them (Latagne). In fact, rarely will
films in general, regardless of their popularity, pass the Bechdel test and portray women as
anything other than actual human beings. The favorable views of women, as few as they may be,
portray females as characters of unreachable standards and contradicting character traits. When
women in film are actually shown to be positive figures, they maintain impossible views on how
women supposedly should look, think, and behave. For instance, many films claimed that the
ideal women had to be both strong and gentle, but not too much of either. If she does not find
that balance and is deemed too strong, she is considered brutish and not feminine, but if she is
deemed too weak, she is considered pathetic (Juergen). Additionally, femininity is held above
other character traits. While intelligence can be described as sexy and strength can be inspiring,
women are shown to be disregarded or overall shown as negative figures if they do not maintain

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an image of being ladylike. Television and other entertainment portray positive examples of
females as women and girls who look and act impossibly in terms of realistic expectations
(Witt). In terms of physical appearance and expectations, girls grow up facing impossible
standards after always seeing the most beautiful and perfect women to meet a specific and
potentially unhealthy mold (Smith).
III. Gender inequality in film extends to various aspects of the entertainment industry, including
the cast and crew members gender ratios and their influence is evident on screen in the films
themselves through the lack of representation in terms of numbers and statistics. For instance,
when one study researched over 120 international films, less than one third of speaking
characters were female (USC Annenberg Staff). This difference, as drastic as it is, has barely
even changed. In fact, women have generally had a marginal appearance, with their presence
increasing only slightly since the beginning of films invention (Chemaly). Furthermore, the
relationship between gender in cast and on screen is unavoidable. The lack of balance between
males and females has barely increased over recent years, and presently twenty five percent of
films had a speaking cast that was evenly split between males and females (USC Annenberg
Staff). Not only does gender inequality exist in the cast and crew, but in gender portrayals on
screen, only twenty percent of fictional women in film and television are portrayed as being
employed, regardless of their specific occupation, type of work field, or even their status or
income levels (Smith). If one were to then categorize those female characters who do have jobs
by the caliber and type of their occupation to better determine the level of each profession, the
findings would point to the lack of high-income, more stereotypically professional work for
fictional female characters. Instead, a majority of the positions would be held for teachers rather
than professors, nurses rather than doctors, et cetera. Although some women may be shown to

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work in science, technology, engineering, or mathematic fields that are typically dominated by
men, their level of profession remains low and undermined by jobs that are stereotypically
considered to be more intelligent. Even so, gender disparities extend past the on-screen
portrayals and to the individuals behind the camera working on the films themselves. For the
crew, where the gender of its members are not publicized nearly as much as the main cast itself,
there is still a consistent lack of equality between males and females. Women are constantly
being outnumbered by male workers, and presently only around ten percent of films have an
equal amount of males and females for their cast (USC Annenberg Staff). Additionally, when
analyzing the total number of individuals working on films behind the scenes overall, only a little
over twenty percent of them were female (USC Annenberg Staff), emphasizing the extreme gap
between males and females in terms of job availability. The point is not that there are more men
looking for jobs in the film and entertainment industry, but instead that they are more often the
ones that receive those jobs, whereas women who are just as capable are often ignored. Not only
that, but as previous research shows, an increase in women involved as directors and/or
screenwriters leads to an increase in the amount of female characters for the film or show
(Zurko). While the disparities between males and females may exist to an extreme amount, the
power to alter these statistics in the favor of equality rests in women as well as men. Not only is
the presence of women important, but the ability to grant this presence lies in the men that tend
to dominate professions such as directors and screenwriters.
IV. The varying gender portrayals of both males and females in film have an extremely large and
drastic amount of consequences on children viewers. Television and film in general, as well as
the entertainment industry as a whole, has an huge and potentially detrimental influence on its
viewers. Media and entertainment as a whole are able to affect the mindsets and beliefs of

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viewers, and even more so when those ideas are repeatedly reintroduced to those watching.
Addressing certain subjects, no matter how controversial, in films have the potential alter how
someone may think about the topic, often in favor of the films viewpoint (Ebert). Despite a
viewers own beliefs as they enter into the film, a story told powerfully enough with extreme and
alluring visuals has the ability to influence someone elses ideas. Additionally, a majority of
popular shows and films in current culture lack positive mindsets, yet they still have a huge
impact on the beliefs of younger generations (Chaubal). This reinforces the mindset that
stereotypes and inequality may be normalized through repetitive ideas and praised beliefs present
in film. The ideas present in film carry a strong influence on how children think. For instance,
film has the power to perpetuate different ideas on gender and affect how children view gender
identity and their own gender as a whole (Healthy Children). Not only that, but both film and
television affect how children view gender as a whole, as well as their perceptions on the
definitions of positive gender roles and behavior (Witt). Film and other various forms of
entertainment have been proved to have a large influence over children. Entertainment and media
have the power to affect and solidify or disprove beliefs held by younger viewers. Consequences
can be avoided by bringing awareness to parents and individuals to avoid and advocate against
harmful gender portrayals in film, especially regarding those aimed towards children. For
instance, underlying messages in films may be presented as normal subjects, even if they
normalize rather intense and unhealthy themes of abuse or anxiety. Individuals can avoid this by
increasing their own awareness of film and their content. Parents in particular have more control
over what their children are exposed to via specific films and shows. (Association for Natural
Psychology). Individuals can take care to follow different steps in order to reinforce positive
gender ideas and beliefs (Healthy Children). Although media and entertainment can influence

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varying opinions, individuals, especially parents, are able to create the foundation for these
opinions. As a result of this, children may then use what they perceive via television to solidify
these opinions rather than create them.
I. Conclusion
With a combination of the various gender portrayals and stereotypes present in films regardless
of rating and genre, the lack of gender equality in and related to film remains detrimental as a
uniform statistic influencing society via individuals and a generation. The portrayals can vary
anywhere from decade old stereotypes to limited amounts of screentime and power given to
women. These portrayals have a huge impact on children, especially when the children are
repeatedly presented with the same ideas and mindsets (Juergen). Additionally, not only do
gender portrayals have an extreme influence on children, but the reality of the lack of equality
even behind the camera is difficult to ignore. With the lack of representation, as well as the
inequality not directly shown on screen and in front of the camera, the extent of the imbalance
between men and women in the film industry is undeniable and dominant in our society. Parents
especially are given an even greater chance than other individuals to make a positive impact in
terms of views on gender and even self perception (Solomon). Constantly exposing children to
different negative gender portrayals in PG rated film reinforces destructive ideas on gender have
the potential to influence their life (Association for Natural Psychology). By limiting these
portrayals to more positive mindsets, children can grow to have a healthier set of beliefs among
the rest of our culture and society. The potential to influence future generations exists in peoples
ability to change the way people view gender as a result of film. Individuals have the power and
responsibility to make a difference and have a positive impact on the world and society around

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them by avoiding harmful portrayals and instead create a healthier set of beliefs among present
day culture and society.

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How the Media Defines Masculinity. MediaSmarts. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Oct. 2015.
Juergen, Michelle. Harmful Stereotypes We Never Realized Our Favorite Disney Movies
Taught
Us. Arts.Mic. Mic, 25 Apr. 2014. Web. 10 Sept. 2015.
Latagne, Allison. Gender Roles in Media. Huff Post Teen. N.p., 15 May 2014. Web. 10 Sept.
2015.
Lomtatidze, Dato. How do movies or television influence peoples behavior? Youth
Voices. N.p., 31 Jan. 2013. Web. 6 Oct. 2015.
Neeland, Emily. Top Ten Worst Movie Stereotypes of Women. Private Island. N.p., n.d. Web.
27 Dec. 2015
Sargent, JF. 6 Insane Stereotypes That Movies Cant Seem to Get Over. Cracked. N.p., 15 Oct.
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The Psychological Effects of Childrens Movies. Association for Natural Psychology. N.p., 23

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Apr. 2015. Web. 21 Sept. 2015.
USC Annenberg Staff. Gender Stereotypes Persist in Films on a Worldwide Scale. USC News.
University of Southern California, 22 Sept. 2014. Web. 2 Sept. 2015.
Witt, Susan D. Review of Research: The Influence of Television on Childrens Gender Role
Socialization. Childhood Education 76.5 (2000): 322-324.
Wolska, Malgorzata. Gender Stereotypes in Mass Media. Case Study: Analysis of the Gender
Stereotyping Phenomenon in TV Commercials. Krytyka. N.p., 9 Jan. 2011. Web. 6 Oct.
2015.
Zurko, Nicholas. Gender Inequality in Film. New York Film Academy Blog. N.p., 25 Nov.
2013. Web. 1 Sept. 2015.

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