Degree Name
MA (Master of Arts)
Program
Communication, Professional
Date of Award
12-2016
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Susan Waters
Committee Members
Stephen Marshall, Melanie Richards
Abstract
Previous research shows that perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs are cultivated via media exposure. A content analysis of stereotypical traits in five Nollywood movies in a five-year span examines the prevalent portrayals of women in the Nigerian movie industry – Nollywood, and the effect of these portrayals on reinforcement of stereotypical norms and perpetuation of gender disparity. Cultivation and Objectification theories were the theoretical frameworks for this study. Findings revealed no significant change in the stereotypical portrayals of women in the past five years. From the movies analyzed, Nollywood movies appear to remain persistent in typically depicting women as unambitious domestic servants. Applying Fiske’s stereotype content model, this study found that women are typically depicted as warm and incompetent, but cold and competent when they compete for same resources as the dominant group. With such portrayals in Nollywood movies, women are further subdued and beliefs that normalize these norms are cultivated.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Aromona, Olushola, "Portrayal of African Women in Nollywood Films over a Five-Year Period: A Content Analysis of Traits Applying the Stereotype Content Model" (2016). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 3166. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/3166
Included in
Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Ethnicity in Communication Commons, Mass Communication Commons