GENDER STEREOTYPES IN VIDEO GAMES: A STUDY OF PLAY STATION AND XBOX AMONG STUDENTS OF DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH, UNIVERSITY OF JOS
GENDER STEREOTYPES IN VIDEO GAMES: A STUDY OF PLAY STATION AND XBOX AMONG STUDENTS OF DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH, UNIVERSITY OF JOS
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Date
2016-12
Authors
LAR, JULBYEN NIMNAN
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Abstract
This dissertation sets out to identify gender stereotypes in popular media, specifically those portrayed in video games, and why it is important for video game users to recognize stereotypical portrayals. To achieve this, ten (10) most popular games available in Nigeria were selected and used for analysis. Students were randomly selected from the target group and two hundred copies of questionnaire were distributed to gather more data on the subject matter, interviews were also conducted to this end. With the use of Social Learning Theory as a lens for analysis, media depictions can be further understood and analyzed as learning material for helping young people and adults alike to understand and accept themselves as individuals rather than seeing themselves within the mirror of the society. The gender images under investigation are mass produced and distributed in many countries across the world. Accordingly, the implications of exposure to the images and themes characterized in video games take on global importance. As such, the goal of this study is to shed light on the impact of exposure to the stereotyped portrayals of video game characters on video game users. This study has shown that New Media has an influence on how people view gender issues. This is largely because it is pervasive and also considered as one of the most powerful influences on people. In other words, media insinuates messages into our consciousness at every turn. It is therefore, imperative to note that this study found that all forms of media communicate images of the sexes, many of which perpetuate unrealistic, stereotypical, and limiting perceptions. It was also discovered that gender stereotyping is commonly used in media to enhance character traits and create humorous situations. It is therefore perceived that when stereotypes are overwhelmingly present in media forms, viewers internalize them and go further to replicate them
Description
A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES, AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF MASTER OF ARTS IN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION
DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE AND PERFORMING ARTS
FACULTY OF ARTS
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY ZARIA
Keywords
GENDER STEREOTYPES,, VIDEO GAMES,, STUDY,, PLAY STATION,, XBOX,, STUDENTS,, DEPARTMENT of ENGLISH,, UNIVERSITY,, JOS,