Rated M for misogyny: reimagining gender assessments for film

Abstract

The Bechdel Test is effective at raising awareness about biased gender portrayals in media, yet it has been criticized for being an inaccurate assessment of gender balance in film. Employing gender theory and political economy, this research interrogates the feasibility of creating a reliable assessment of gender in film, and explores multiple uses for such an assessment. It involves interviews with film professionals on the impact that a reliable gender assessment could have on their work and the industry, and an examination of representation research models focused on gender. The research proposes and tests an assessment of misogyny in film. It makes a preliminary contribution to the creation of a simple assessment for misogyny in mainstream movies as one step to challenge stereotyped representations of gender in media. It contributes to communications literature on industry and policy responses to biased portrayals in film.