Gender representation in Spanish prime-time TV series

Abstract

ABSTRACT The present research analyzes the current state of the representation of gender in prime-time Spanish television series broadcast on the main generalist channels. For this purpose, a content analysis was carried out on 26 television series produced in Spain from 2016 and the first semester of 2017, involving 723 characters (n = 723), in order to determine whether or not there is an unequal portrayal of male, female, and non-binary characters. The main findings indicate that contemporary prime-time Spanish TV series feature: an underrepresentation of females; an overrepresentation of cisgender characters and heterosexual orientation; an association of women with less qualified professional occupations and, in particular, with domestic work; and a statistically significant relation between female characters and fewer work objectives, as well as more personal objectives. In addition, female characters are more hypersexualized and socialized in male contexts. Nevertheless, no statistical link was found between gender and narrative weight.