Representation of Gender today

1. During the 1990's and into the new century, gender roles on television became increasingly equal and non- stereotyped - within some limits - although the majority of lead characters were still male.
2. 1992-1993- 18% of the female characters took the major role and more than two thirds were the stars of domestic situation comedies. 1995-1996 43% of major characters were female, although still less than half.
3. 1990s to a certain extent, programme makers arrived at a comfortable, not particularly- offensive modes of masculinity and femininity, which majority of the public seemed to think were acceptable.
4. In prime- time TV shows, 1992-1993, men took 61 per cent of the total number of speaking roles, with women having the other 39 per cent. A few years later 1995-1996 the figures changed slightly as men took 63% with women only having 37%.
5. The 1992-1993 study found that only 3 per cent of women were represented as housewives as their main occupation - a massive decrease from 1970's.

Friends (1994)

3 Men (Ross, Chandler & Joey) fit easily with convectional models of masculinity, but given some characteristics of sensitivity and gentleness, and male bonding to make things refreshing. Similarly 3 women (Rachel, Monica and Phoebe) are clearly feminine, whilst being sufficiently intelligent and non housewifely to seem like acceptable characters of the 1990s. They were all Friends so it was a refreshing modern replacement for the traditional family. Not long of course before they spoilt this by having Ross and Rachel then Monica and Chandler fall in love.

Men in Hollywood films today tend to be the seamlessly macho heroes which we saw in the 1980s; they more often combine the toughness required of an action hero with a more sensitive, thoughtful or caring side.

Hollywood culture is offering in place of bold spectacle of male masculinity and violence, is a self effacing man, one who now, learns to live instead of fighting.

Charlie's Angles

Michael Thomson of BBC online- 'Women's glamour and pouting', saying that the film's message was 'by all means be feisty, but never forget to be feminine'.
Charlies Angels has an effervescent 'girl power' zing which had not been seen since the Spice Girls.

The film does knowingly showcase the women's physical attractiveness, but their success comes from their brains, and their fighting skills.