Mapping the discourses surrounding the gendered portrayals in contemporary popular television programming : a comparative case study of crime drama series

Abstract

This research study aims to analyse the gendered portrayal in fictional television crime drama series by conducting a comparative analysis of two long-running American crime drama series. The study first examines the literature around the notions of gender, stereotypes and the role of the media in changing or reinforcing the existing gender norms. Finally, the study analyses the gendered discourse of the two shows in question, through means of semiology and discourse analysis, and concludes that, whilst progress has been made in this area, the gendered discourse in this genre is not yet gender equal.