Abstract

This work is doubly justified: as a part of a bigger research project on types of so far marginalized characters in television drama serials; and as a contribution to the teenage invasion of the TV screen as a call to this kind of audience. The aim of this paper is to show prototypes of adolescents created in televised products broadcast today in Spain. The methodology is based on two factors: a quantitative one about serials and characters, and a qualitative analysis of drama serials and teen characters. The result confirms the existence of a powerful standardized appearance and attitude regarding the models proposed by American series over the Spanish ones. The conclusion discusses the generation of contradictory teenage prototypes.

Abstract

This research analyses the current state of gender representation in Spanish prime time television series broadcast by the main generalist channels. For this purpose, an analysis of the content of 21 television series produced in Spain in the second half of 2017 and 2018, of 514 characters (n = 514), has been carried out in order to determine whether there is an unequal representation of male, female and non-binary characters. The main findings indicate that there is an under-representation of women; non-heterosexual sexual orientations are under-represented, as are non-traditional gender identities; women continue to be associated with less qualified professional occupations and, in particular, with domestic work; there is a statistically significant relationship between female characters and less ambitious, more personal work objectives and personalities associated with the world of emotions and motherhood. However, no statistical link was found between gender and narrative weight, gender and hypersexualization, or gender and violence.