Gender Portrayal Of The American Tv Sitcom Friends

Introduction: This investigation involves the analysis of how gender is portrayed in the American TV sitcom Friends. Friends received acclaim to become record breaking, as one of the most popular television shows of all time. The series was nominated for 62 Primetime Emmy Awards, winning the outstanding Comedy series award in 2002. Many stated that the series appealed to them as it was hilarious and touching. The demographic of this sitcom is young people, including adults who are single, relating their lives to the show. The focus of this investigation is the depiction of characters according to their gender and stereotype in western comedy. Hypothesis: I predict that the characters in Friends will conform to traditional gender†¦show more content†¦Within sitcoms women have the main stereotype of been portrayed as a sex object. I believe that women are often portrayed this way due to society s gender hierarchy. It Is said that women are only portrayed this way as long as its for entertainment purposes only as it is not accepted in reality as some women may take offence. Women are also portrayed as lazy, smart, annoying and attractive. In sitcoms one of the main stereotypes is that men are portrayed to be masculine, this is because males do not want to be seen as weak. This is not only portrayed in sitcoms but in society too. In order to fulfil the means of being masculine, the male is seen to be wealthy and therefore have high status as well as having common forms of anger. Although males want to be seen as having a high status, they show lack of care and emotions as it is not seen as masculine. From 1970 s sitcoms to 199 0 s sitcoms, women s role has changed massively. Women have gone from lacking power to now being in control. I believe this is due to laws such as the sex discrimination act that gave women status and power and made them almost equal to men in society. 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