Separating the sex from the object

Conceptualizing sexualization and (sexual) objectification in Flemish preteens’ popular television programs

Datos Bibliográficos

ID21190874
AutoresAnn Rousseau (0000-0002-7086-9938, KU Leuven, autor de correspondencia), Steven Eggermont (0000-0003-0428-092X, KU Leuven), Annebeth Bels (University of Antwerp), Hilde Van Den Bulck (0000-0002-3858-1897, University of Antwerp)
Año2018
Volumen12
Número3
Páginas346-365
Fecha de publicación2018-07-03
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessNo
TipoARTICLE
RevistaJournal of Children and Media (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1748-2798 • E-ISSN: 1748-2801
EditorialInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/17482798.2018.1425888
OpenAlexW2791134499
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas9
Referencias citadas52

Media effects research has confirmed that sexualizing media exposure can negatively affect preteens’ body image and sexual development. While there is a link between sexualizing content and adverse outcomes such as self-objectification and body dissatisfaction, an interest in sexual media content is a normal part of healthy sexual development during the preteen years. Hence, research is needed that examines the variety in preteens’ sexual media diet thereby addressing the subtleties involved in sexualizing media. To what extent do sexual content, appearance-related content, sexual objectification, and objectification occur in Flemish preteens’ favorite TV shows? And, how are these different types of content related to gender roles? Seeking to address these questions, this article reports on a quantitative content analysis of 24 episodes from five TV shows popular among Flemish preteens. Drawing on a sample of 465 scenes, results demonstrated that one in five scenes contained sexual behavior, and one in ten contained sexual objectification. Male characters were sexually objectified as often as female characters. Women were more often judged for their appearance, but were also more often shown treating others as objects in a non-sexual way. Results are discussed in light of objectification and social cognitive theory, culminating in suggestions for future research and implications for parents

Flemish · Human sexuality · Objectification · Pornography · Sexual attraction · Sexual behavior · Sexualization · Sociology · Child Development and Digital Technology · Communication · Eating Disorders and Behaviors · Gender Studies · Gender, Feminism, and Media · Psychology · Social Psychology