Abstract
This article examines the evolution of female gender identity in the media through the comparative analysis of two influential texts: Mark Twain's 19th-century novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and the contemporary animated series My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. The study utilizes gender schema theory and social learning theory to explore how these texts shape children's understanding of gender roles. While The Adventures of Tom Sawyer reinforces traditional gender stereotypes with male-centric narratives and the marginalization of female characters, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic breaks these norms by presenting diverse and empowered female characters who lead the story and challenge conventional gender roles. This shift reflects broader societal changes towards gender equality and diversity. The essay highlights the significant impact of media representations on children's gender identity development and underscores the importance of providing diverse and equitable gender role models in media to foster a more inclusive society.
Publisher
Darcy & Roy Press Co. Ltd.
Reference41 articles.
1. American Psychological Association. (2023). APA Dictionary of Psychology. Dictionary.apa.org. https://dictionary.apa.org/ development.
2. Arias, E. (2019). How Does Media Influence Social Norms? Experimental Evidence on the Role of Common Knowledge. Political Science Research and Methods, 7(3), 561–578. https://doi.org/10.1017/psrm.2018.1.
3. Aubrey, J. S., & Harrison, K. (2004). The Gender-Role Content of Children’s Favorite Television Programs and Its Links to Their Gender-Related Perceptions. Media Psychology, 6(2), 111–146. https://doi.org/10.1207/s1532785xmep0602_1.
4. Bandura, A. (1977). Social learning theory. Englewood Cliffs, N.J. Prentice-Hall.
5. Bandura, A. (2001). Social Cognitive Theory of Mass Communication. Media Psychology, 3(3), 265–299. https://doi. org/10.1207/s1532785xmep0303_03.