Video Game Characters and the Socialization of Gender Roles: Young People’s Perceptions Mirror Sexist Media Depictions

Abstract

Video game characters are icons in youth popular culture, but research on their role in gender socialization is rare. A content analysis of images of video game characters from top-selling American gaming magazines showed male characters (83%) are more likely than female characters (62%) to be portrayed as aggressive. Female characters are more likely than male characters to be portrayed as sexualized (60% versus 1%), scantily clad (39% versus 8%) and as showing a mix of sex and aggression (39 versus 1%). A survey of teens confirmed that stereotypes of male characters as aggressive and female characters as sexually objectified physical specimens are held even by nongamers. Studies are discussed in terms of the role media plays in socializing sexism.

Grand Theft Auto is a “Sandbox” Game, but There are Weapons, Criminals, and Prostitutes in the Sandbox: Response to Ferguson and Donnellan (2017)

“…Accordingly, the alternative models tested and proposed in Ferguson and Donnellan (2017) could be misleading for readers, as they are not theoretically wellanchored and are distant from our original hypotheses. Indeed, our findings are entirely consistent and sustained by previous research in the field of media effects (see Dill et al 2008;Dill and Thill 2007;Fox et al 2013Fox et al , 2014.…”

“…In addition, female characters tend to play minor roles. These games not only affect the way young women view themselves, they also encourage young men to look at women as sex objects (Dill and Thill 2007). Confirming these findings, another recent study (Lynch et al 2016) evaluated 571 playable female characters in video games released from 1989 to 2014 and concluded that despite an increase in games featuring playable female characters, games still depict female characters as sexualized and in more minor roles.…”

“…One content analysis found that female characters are far more likely to be portrayed as more sexualized than male characters (60 to 1%; see Dill and Thill 2007). Female characters often have a huge bust with disproportionally small waist and hips.…”

Assassins Do Not Wear Battle Bikinis: The Case Against Gender Inequality and Female Specific Hypersexualization in Video Games

“…"All women who live in a culture where the female body is treated as an object to be evaluated Dill and Thill's paper shows that video games do have some effect on society and how we view gender roles: " (Dill 2007, manuscript in preparation) found a positive correlation between violent videogame playing and endorsement of rape myths, including the myths that women secretly want to be raped and even "deserve" to be raped. Furthermore, those who played more violent videogames also endorsed more traditional views of sex roles, such as the idea that men are more capable as leaders and professionals, while women deserve less freedom than men and are subservient to men (Dill 2007, manuscript in preparation).…”

Animation and Socialization Process: Gender Role Portrayal on Cartoon Network

“…Likewise Dill & Thill, (2007) analyzed video games and found that 83% male characters are shown aggressive and strong while 60% female were portrayed as sexual object. In most of the games they were exploited sexually and victimized by the male character.…”