The Glass Ceiling in Hollywood Movies: Exploring the Gender Disparities in Portrayals of Public Relations Roles

Abstract

This study examines the gender disparities in the portrayal of women in Hollywood films having the theme of Public Relations. The research aims to analyze the representation of women in PR roles especially the technical positions, their roles and responsibilities in the campaigns, and their depiction as being family-oriented or not. The study design utilizes a descriptive methodology and employs a semantic analysis using the purposive sampling technique. The sample includes the movie "Don't Look Up (2021)," chosen as it is the top IMDb ranking Hollywood film with a focus on the PR campaign. Data is collected on technical roles, primary or secondary positions, and family orientation of the female characters. The findings reveal significant gender disparities, with women often limited to secondary roles and unequal representation compared to men in the PR roles having less family orientation. The study emphasizes the need to challenge gender stereotypes in the film industry.