Literature Review

For this research project, I read and analyzed various research studies and papers that discussed a various of topics related to my research question: gender stereotypes, female gender representation in television, the influence of television on adolescent development of gender identity, and sexual attitudes and behaviors. The review of the literature is structured to give a greater background on the various subjects connecting to the topic for the current study. This literature review will focus on the discussion of social cognitive theory, that is, how television can shape gender identity and roles, the effects of gender scripts upon both males and females, and the effects of sexual scripts on television.