Reality television and the promotion of problematic behavior among cast members

A Case Study Content Analysis Through the Lens of Feminist and Media Framing Theories

Dados Bibliográficos

ID7154388
AutoresKarla R Hamlen (0000-0003-3946-3240, Cleveland State University, autor correspondente)
Ano2025
Volume25
Fascículo2
Páginas464-480
Data de publicação2025-02-17
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessNão
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoFeminist Media Studies (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1468-0777 • E-ISSN: 1471-5902
EditoraInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/14680777.2024.2320682
OpenAlexW4392121788
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas2
Referências citadas29

A combination of feminist and media framing theories allows for a perspective of the world in which power structures play a role in the construction of identities. In mass media spaces, those who hold power can shape the reality for viewers. This longitudinal case study content analysis of one reality television show, MTV’s The Challenge, reveals an ongoing scenario where producers encourage and devote airtime to sexism, racism, and violence, possibly with the intent to increase viewership, resulting in mixed messages for cast members regarding problematic behaviors. Over time, instances of these problematic behaviors increased, and cast members who engaged in these behaviors were more likely to be re-cast than those who did not. Negative behaviors are sometimes met with consequences, but these are inconsistent. As a result, cast members may be misled about acceptable behaviors and may suffer social, professional, and mental health consequences. Further, the content leaves viewers vulnerable to mixed messages on important issues such as sexism, racism, and violence

Advertising · Business · Content analysis · Media content · Media studies · Multimedia · Optics · Reality television · Reality tv · Social science · Sociology · Through-the-lens metering · Asian Culture and Media Studies · Computer Science · Gender, Feminism, and Media · Media, Gender, and Advertising · Psychology · Social Psychology