“TV as an Agent of Socialization”
Socialization is both subtle and explicit. We learn about ourselves from our parents, peers, teachers and television. Television has the power to reflect our reality or create a new one. What do the television shows you watch say about the world? What do they say about men, women, minorities, the goods guys and the bad guys?
The purpose of this assignment is to consider television as an agent of socialization by analyzing the quality of its content relative to race, gender, minority groups, violence and power.
Step ONE: Pick two different television shows – excluding reality TV and soap operas.
While watching the show pay observe the following:
1. How are the women depicted in the show? What are they wearing? How do they act? Are they portrayed as smart, competent, helpless, needy, sexy or bitchy?
2. Are there two or more women, who have names that talk to each other about things other than men/boys? Yes, or No?
3. How are the men depicted? What are they wearing? Are they smart, competent, bossy, strong or needy?
4. How are minority groups depicted, including marginalized races, homosexuals and the disabled?
5. Is there violence in the show? Who is the perpetrator? Who is the victim? What is the purpose of the violence, to solve problems or intimidate?
Step TWO: Referring to the above observations imagine you were an alien from another planet and describe the world as you would see it.
Step THREE: Discuss in essay form your observations and conclusions
Format: Discussions should be no less than one full page, typed, single spaced, 12 font pages with standard margins.
Grading Criteria
1. Describe two different television shows – excluding reality TV and soap operas.
2. Include in your description the questions above (1-5).
3. Include in your discussion what an alien would think of the world you describe depicted in the TV shows.
4. Follow format and length guidelines.