The Representation of Female African American College Students on Television: A Content Analysis of A Different World and Grownish
Session Title
Women's and Gender Studies
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Mass Communication
Abstract
This research examines the portrayal and representation of the African American female college experience on television sitcoms. A content analysis was conducted on two situational comedy television shows, A Different World and Grownish, coding the comparative aspects of each show to include: the depiction of the female lead, the predominant theme of each episode, resolution of conflict, perceived realism, and overall tone. The study suggests that though Grownish addresses diverse issues faced by millennial students, the portrayal of these issues dilutes the overall message, while A Different World succinctly illustrates the problems students face. Results and implications will be discussed.
Honors Thesis Committee
Nathaniel Frederick II, Ph.D.; Emmanuel Nwachukwu, Ph.D.; and Guy Reel, Ph.D.
Recognized with an Award?
Third Place, Social Sciences, SAEOPP McNair/SSS Scholars Research Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, June 2019
Previously Presented/Performed?
SAEOPP McNair/SSS Scholars Research Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, June 2019; Sixth Annual Showcase of Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors (SOURCE), Winthrop University, April 2020
Start Date
24-4-2020 12:00 AM
The Representation of Female African American College Students on Television: A Content Analysis of A Different World and Grownish
This research examines the portrayal and representation of the African American female college experience on television sitcoms. A content analysis was conducted on two situational comedy television shows, A Different World and Grownish, coding the comparative aspects of each show to include: the depiction of the female lead, the predominant theme of each episode, resolution of conflict, perceived realism, and overall tone. The study suggests that though Grownish addresses diverse issues faced by millennial students, the portrayal of these issues dilutes the overall message, while A Different World succinctly illustrates the problems students face. Results and implications will be discussed.
