The purpose of this study is to analyze the frequencies of prosocial and aggressive behaviors of characters on Cartoon Network. Furthermore to attempt to determine if Gender or Socioeconomic Status are associated to the frequencies of prosocial and aggressive acts made by a character. Much research has been done outlining the high rates of violence and aggression in Cartoons and the effects of viewing violence on a children’s behavior in the real world. Less research has been done regarding prosocial acts in the media, so both forms of behaviors are analyzed in this study. This study takes into account the gender and socioeconomic status of an animated character and determines if there is an association to the amount of prosocial or aggressive
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One particular study examines the role of sex role stereotyping, otherwise known as sex-typing in morning cartoon shows. This study concluded that people ascribe certain personality attributes to men and women whereas aggression was considered to be masculine and dependence was considered to be feminine (Rosenkrantz Bee, Vogel Broverman, 1986). Other studies conclude the prevalence of physical and verbal aggression being higher among males than females. (Archer, 2009). Similarly, in a separate study that focused on behaviors in children’s television shows, it was noted that higher rates of violence were seen with characters exhibiting a more masculine personality. (Myers 2005.) Men tended to engage in direct aggression, where the recipient received harm that resulted in pain or physical injury. (Miles & Carey, 2014) It was observed that when females were involved in some type of aggression, the aggression was classified as indirect or relational (Sydney-Agbord et.al, 2016). Gender stereotypical sex roles are present in real life and also in cartoons. Research has shown that a common stereotype for females in cartoons is being helpless while a stereotypical sex role for male character is a problem solver or showing aggression.( Mayes & …show more content…
To account for this discrepancy this study used content analysis not only for aggressive behaviors but also for prosocial behaviors made by characters on Cartoon Network. Additionally, Paik and Comstock investigated the effect of TV violence on antisocial behavior, in which they defined as aggressive behavior, and found an overall correlation between TV violence and combined antisocial behavior to be .31, which, according to their study was a significant correlation (Paik & Comstock, 1994). Many of the study’s relating to TV violence and aggression in children were short term studies that showed the immediate effect of viewing violent acts on television. However one of the few longitudinal studies conducted found that children that were viewed high rates of violence in television were three times more likely to have been convicted of crimes as adults.(Huesmann, Moise- Titus, Podolski, Eron.). The overwhelming attention that violence and childrens media has received has seemed to overshadow the more prosocial side of children’s
One particular study examines the role of sex role stereotyping, otherwise known as sex-typing in morning cartoon shows. This study concluded that people ascribe certain personality attributes to men and women whereas aggression was considered to be masculine and dependence was considered to be feminine (Rosenkrantz Bee, Vogel Broverman, 1986). Other studies conclude the prevalence of physical and verbal aggression being higher among males than females. (Archer, 2009). Similarly, in a separate study that focused on behaviors in children’s television shows, it was noted that higher rates of violence were seen with characters exhibiting a more masculine personality. (Myers 2005.) Men tended to engage in direct aggression, where the recipient received harm that resulted in pain or physical injury. (Miles & Carey, 2014) It was observed that when females were involved in some type of aggression, the aggression was classified as indirect or relational (Sydney-Agbord et.al, 2016). Gender stereotypical sex roles are present in real life and also in cartoons. Research has shown that a common stereotype for females in cartoons is being helpless while a stereotypical sex role for male character is a problem solver or showing aggression.( Mayes & …show more content…
To account for this discrepancy this study used content analysis not only for aggressive behaviors but also for prosocial behaviors made by characters on Cartoon Network. Additionally, Paik and Comstock investigated the effect of TV violence on antisocial behavior, in which they defined as aggressive behavior, and found an overall correlation between TV violence and combined antisocial behavior to be .31, which, according to their study was a significant correlation (Paik & Comstock, 1994). Many of the study’s relating to TV violence and aggression in children were short term studies that showed the immediate effect of viewing violent acts on television. However one of the few longitudinal studies conducted found that children that were viewed high rates of violence in television were three times more likely to have been convicted of crimes as adults.(Huesmann, Moise- Titus, Podolski, Eron.). The overwhelming attention that violence and childrens media has received has seemed to overshadow the more prosocial side of children’s