Eric Wiemer Ind There Is A Curiosity About Womens Representations I ✓ Solved

Eric Wiemer, Ind. There is a curiosity about women’s representations in political roles on TV shows. WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – A new study from Purdue shows that seeing feminine TV characters in political roles can inspire female audience members to be more politically active. Eric Wiemer, a PhD candidate in the Brian Lamb School of Communications, co-authored an article that aimed to identify the effect of seeing female TV characters in political narratives on the female audience. Eric is a 4th year Ph.D. student in the Brian Lamb School of Communication at Purdue.

The research was presented by a group of four researchers led by Assistant Professor Jennifer However through the journal of broadcasting and electronic media. Precisely, women tend to be influenced by other women represented in political TV shows. With that, it would be possible to identify whether that triggers any downstream conceptions. For instance, does women’s participation in political TV shows motivate other women to desire to participate in political processes? “There’s a lot of research that just says mere representation, mere exposure to demographics in the media contributes to effects,†said Wiemer.

“People feel more efficacy if they see their demographics represented in the media. They’re more likely to participate.†The article is called “Linking Political TV Shows with Female Lead Characters to Political Engagement: The Roles of Parasocial Processes and Gender Identity†and was published in the Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media. Notably, research highlights that typical representation of demographics in the media is associated with a high efficacy level, triggering their desire to participate in such activities. Here, there is the delivery of a unique perspective on “how women feel when they see women represented in TV.†The focus is further on the pre-conceived binary about gender with the idea that being feminine is expressed differently, whether one is male or female.

To test this, it was essential that the research team diverged from merely asking what gender is, and instead, it allows participants to rate themselves on a scale of masculinity and femininity. It is possible to identify that being a woman or a man causes a high correlation with the outcomes of one feeling more feminine and masculine, respectively. However, in stating women audience members, it refers to individuals who identified as more feminine irrespective of their gender. “People who identified as feminine would be more likely to participate politically so they would feel more political self-efficacy, interest, and engage in politics,†states EricWiemer. High prevalence in this is attributed to the audience identifying with the female character in the TV show.

Parasocial interaction is attributed to influence one’s identity either as a concept or a personal experience. It is connected to the intense feelings that one develops towards a media character. The audience tends to relate with the character, either fictional or natural, with the conception that the character is in their real life with whom they share experiences or even friendship. To test this hypothesis, the researchers deployed a test using two familiar TV shows of Madam Secretary and Designated Survivor. To make it effective in understanding a specific storyline in the TV show, which is entailed with diverse ideas in each episode, there was the provision of four shorter versions that focused on a single storyline rather than the entire show.

In the first, there is a version of a female lead character in a family set up while the second has a male lead character in a similar setting. The third maintained the female character in the lead position in a political involvement while the last had a male lead character in a politically driven narrative. Ideally, to make it effective, participants were selected to randomly watch the selected videos to identify how they relate to the lead characters in the presented piece. Evaluation is also based on the level of the influence acquired to be able to go out and participate in the political processes. In the results, Eric Wiemer states that “the participants who identified as more feminine strongly identified with the female lead characters compared to the male lead characters more in the politically driven narratives over the family-driven narratives.†The high parasocial interaction with these characters triggers a high desire to engage in the political process, increased political interest, and political self-efficacy.

There is a correlation between individuals identifying as feminine seeing female lead characters in politically driven narratives as they tend to feel empowered. However, these impacts seemed not to exist among the male characters or in the family-driven narratives. It leads to EricWiemer’s notion that “showing women in politically driven narratives on TV increases this empowerment among feminine identifying audience members.†Besides, this hypothesis can be practically applied by TV show producers in developing a program or a show to justify their inclusion of more females in the politically driven narratives. This is because it conveys the feeling of being encouraged, empowered, as well as feeling that they need to engage in more political processes.

For instance, in Hollywood and for a majority of a mainframe, TV producers can adopt this research to ensure that the roles assigned to the characters project a positive influence on the audience as this will convey an overall positive impact on the personality of the target audience. Comment by Mattingly, Andrea L: -3 we need to use last name only after the first reference Writer: (your name and email) Source: Eric Wiemer, email Last updated: (date of when you posted)

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The representation of women in political roles on television has garnered increasing attention in recent years, particularly as it relates to audience engagement in political processes. “There is a curiosity about women’s representations in political roles on TV shows,” states Eric Wiemer, a Ph.D. candidate at Purdue University. His research, co-authored with other scholars, explores how seeing feminine characters in political narratives can inspire female viewers to become more politically active (Wiemer, 2023). This discussion seeks to analyze the implications of these findings for media representation, audience engagement, and broader societal impacts.

The Importance of Representation

The principle that “representation matters” has been recognized across various domains, from politics to media. When people see individuals who share their demographic characteristics in positions of power, it fosters a sense of political efficacy—the belief that one can influence political processes (Wiemer, 2023). Numerous studies affirm that exposure to diverse representations, particularly of women in leadership, can render underrepresented groups more likely to participate in civic affairs (Schneider et al., 2021).
Wiemer and colleagues have provided empirical evidence supporting this theory. Their study, titled “Linking Political TV Shows with Female Lead Characters to Political Engagement: The Roles of Parasocial Processes and Gender Identity,” delves into how female TV characters can evoke feelings of empowerment among women viewers. The researchers discovered that feminine-identifying audience members resonate more with female characters in politically charged narratives than their male counterparts, leading to increased interest in political engagement (Wiemer et al., 2023).

Methodology of the Study

To test their hypothesis, the research team employed a mixed-methods approach involving familiar TV shows such as Madam Secretary and Designated Survivor. Participants were randomly assigned to view one of four video segments that depicted either a female or male character in both family-oriented and politically driven narratives. The study measured the degree of identification participants felt with the characters and their motivation for political involvement afterward (Wiemer, 2023).
A significant finding emerged: those who identified as feminine exhibited a stronger connection with female lead characters in politically oriented narratives, leading to enhanced desires to engage in political processes and increased perceptions of political self-efficacy (Wiemer, 2023). Conversely, no similar effect was found for male characters or familial narratives, underscoring the potential change that portrayals of women in political contexts can effectuate.

Impacts of Powerful Female Representation

The implications of these findings extend far beyond academic interest. For television producers and creative partners, this research indicates the necessity of including women in stories centered around politics. It highlights that women's presence in these narratives can invoke self-efficacy, empowerment, and a sense of agency among women viewers, reinforcing their willingness to engage in political dialogue and processes (Zeng et al., 2022).
By incorporating complex, diverse female characters into political storylines, television shows can play a pivotal role in correcting stereotypes about women's capability and involvement in politics. Historically, political narratives have sidelined women, leading to a significant underrepresentation of female voices in political discourse (Cohen, 2015). For instance, as noted by scholars, "Women’s political participation remains lower than men’s in nearly every country around the world, illustrating a gender gap that persists in political engagement" (Reingold, 2018).

The Role of Parasocial Interactions

Wiemer's study also introduces the concept of 'parasocial interactions,' where audience members form emotional connections or relationships with television characters (Wiemer, 2023). Such interactions can influence how viewers see their own identities and roles in society. For feminine-identifying individuals, connecting with a political female lead character can amplify feelings of empowerment and personal relevance in political contexts.
This aligns with the understanding of media’s role in shaping societal norms and personal identities (Tiggemann & Slater, 2014). Consequently, when viewers see female characters navigating political challenges, they can internalize these experiences, leading to greater aspirations for political agency.

Broader Societal Implications

In an era where political engagement is paramount, the need for increasing women's representation in media cannot be overstated. Research shows that exposure to strong female portrayals fosters a narrative that women are equally capable of navigating political landscapes (Darr, 2021). This seeping of such ideologies into the mainstream media contributes to changing perceptions and the gradual dismantling of patriarchal norms that have historically dominated political arenas.
Moreover, heightened visibility of women in politics can serve as a rallying point for advocacy groups and organizations aiming to elevate women's roles in political spaces. As constituents recognize women’s capabilities and potential via media representations, it could lead to initiatives encouraging female participation in political offices and leadership roles (Kahn, 1996; McGregor, 2020).

Conclusion

The findings presented by Wiemer and his research team emphasize the transformative power of representation in media, particularly concerning women's political roles. By showcasing women characters in politically driven narratives, television producers can significantly impact political engagement and aspirations among female audiences. This shift toward inclusion not only empowers individuals but also fosters a more egalitarian society by challenging traditional gender norms.
Encouragingly, this research illustrates an actionable avenue through which media can serve as a catalyst for cultural and political change. As we move forward, the commitment to enhancing women's representation in political narratives could reshape not only television programming but also the social dynamics of political engagement in society.

References

1. Cohen, L. (2015). Women’s Political Participation: A Global Perspective. New York: Routledge.
2. Darr, A. (2021). Media Representations of Gender: Women in Politics on Television. International Journal of Media Studies, 10(2), 145-158.
3. Kahn, K. M. (1996). The Political Consequences of Gender: The Experience of Female Candidates. Journal of Politics, 58(1), 93-110.
4. McGregor, A. (2020). Women and Politics in American Society: An Overview. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
5. Reingold, D. (2018). Women and Politics: A Research Agenda. New York: Cambridge University Press.
6. Schneider, M. C., et al. (2021). The Effects of Gender Representation in the Media on Civic Participation. Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, 65(3), 345-361.
7. Tiggemann, M., & Slater, A. (2014). NetGirls: The Internet, Facebook, and body image concern in adolescent girls. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 47(6), 630-633.
8. Wiemer, E. (2023). [Personal Communication].
9. Wiemer, E., et al. (2023). Linking Political TV Shows with Female Lead Characters to Political Engagement: The Roles of Parasocial Processes and Gender Identity. Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, 67(2), 1-15.
10. Zeng, C., et al. (2022). Empowerment through Representation: The Impact of Media Portrayals on Women's Political Participation. Gender & Society, 36(4), 556-576.