Public workshop
The first main findings of the GEMINI research activities was presented and discussed in the public workshop “Gender Equality, Media and Youth”. It primarily targeted GEMINI’s relevant stakeholders in media and cultural industries. It will, also open for external attendees. The workshop was hosted by National University of Ireland Maynooth and took place in January 2024.
PUBLIC WORKSHOP – REPORT OF THE MEETING
Date: January 25th, 2024
Location: Maynooth University
Introduction and Welcome (1:15 pm – 1:30 pm)
Marica Spalletta commenced the event by extending a warm welcome to all participants. She introduced the overarching theme of the conference: “Framing the interplay between serial dramas, EU young adults, and gender-related issues.”
Professional Panel (1:30 pm – 2:45 pm)
The first Thematic Session, focused on “Representations of Gender Identities in Serial Dramas Across Europe,” highlighting the significance of analysing gender portrayals in media narratives. The panel included Lindsay Sedgwick (Ireland), a screenwriter currently developing a TV series about someone transitioning, Mihaela Michailov (Romania), representing the National University of Theatre and Film “I.L. Caragiale,” as a playwright, theater critic, and teacher, Domizia De Rosa (Italy), president of the Women in Film, Television & Media Italia, and Pia Majbritt Jensen (Denmark), Associate Professor in Media Studies from Aarhus University. Elena D’Amelio who is a Professor of Media Studies at the University of San Marino was the chair of the panel.
Key topics that were discussed was the importance of addressing ethical considerations in the portrayal of gender identities in media, including the potential for harm or reinforcement of stereotypes. The panelists explored how gender intersects with other aspects of identity such as race, ethnicity, sexuality, an disability in serial dramas, and the importance of representing these intersections authentically. This was particularly highlighted by Lynsey Sedgewick who created an animated childrens program where the main character was a young child who had down syndrome, how positively impactful this character was for certain families.
How “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” when it came out in the 90’s played a vital role in challenging and reshaping gender stereotypes in popular culture, paving the way for greater representation and empowerment of women in media in the 00s. In addition to this, incorporating fantastical elements into storytelling, creators can delve into complex issues of identity, belonging, transitioning and societal attitudes, while providing representation for underrepresented groups.
The panelists discussed efforts within the media industry to promote diversity and inclusion, such as casting practices, hiring policies, and the development of diverse storylines and characters. The importance of having authentic transgender representation in media was discussed and how the media plays a significant role in shaping societal discourse on gender issues. Through storytelling, media platforms provide a forum for exploring complex topics related to gender, such as sexism, misogyny, gender-based violence, and LGBTQ+ rights. By bringing these issues to the forefront of public consciousness, media can spark important conversations, raise awareness, and advocate for social change.
Academic Panel (3:15 pm – 4:30 pm)
Discussants: Elena Caoduro lecturer in film and media at Queens University.
Presentations
Link Campus University: Valentina Re/Gianluigi Rossini – “Representing teen identities in Mare Fuori and Prisma: internalised patriarchy and gender fluidity”
The presentation explored the representation of teen identities in Mare Fuori and Prisma, focusing on topics such as internalised patriarchy and gender fluidity. Through focus groups and interviews with both high school students and media professionals, valuable insights were gained into perceptions and production dynamics. How the creator of the TV show Prisma gained important insights in developing the show by conducting 1000s of interviews with young people for an authentic experience. RaiPlay’s (Italian video on demand service) focus on current social issues that young people face show the importance of talking about real-life problems as there is a real need and want for it, this is highlighted as Mare Fuori was extrememely popular amongst young audiences in Italy.
Maynooth University: Sarah Arnold – ”Derry Girls, The Young Offenders and Normal People”
The presentation highlighted the pedagogical triangle of Derry Girls as a teaching tool, focusing on the “coming out scene”. Discussion points centered around discrimination and heteronormativity portrayed in the series.
University of Bucharest: Anamaria Sasu – “Wednesday and Breaking Bad: different gender representations in serial drama preferred by Romanian teens”
Sasu’s presentation compared the gender representations in the TV series “Wednesday” and “Breaking Bad,” noting Wednesday as a study in femininity and integration, while Breaking Bad focused on masculinity and exclusion. The conclusion emphasised the potential for class teaching using examples from Wednesday, discussing empowerment, relationships, and family dynamics.
Aalborg University: Kim Toft Hansen – “From toxic masculinity to gender empowerment: teaching media literacy and gender issues in Danish high schools from one representative scene from each series”
In the presentation, Hansen discussed how using the following tv shows as case studies – Rita, Euphoria and Zusa, when teaching media and gender issues, these series proposes different gender topics such as Toxic masculinity and transgender issues, Narrated gender empowerment through the female gaze, ‘Gender-blended’ character traits and ‘Unforced’ and ‘naturalised’ narratives about gender issues. Each presents an opportunity to teach media literacy (reading and understanding film style, narratives and distribution). It was emphasised how young adults react negatively to ‘forced’ narratives about gender issues ‘Naturalised’ narratives does not mean ‘uncoded reality’, but presents ‘perceived natural narratives’.
Public Workshop: 10:30 am – 13.00PM
Date: January 26th, 2024
Location: Guinness Enterprise Centre
Academic Panel (10:30 am – 13:00 pm)
Second Thematic Session – “Young people’s perceptions about gender equality issues in serial dramas.
Discussant : Valentina Re (Link Campus University) Professor of Film and Media Studies
The academic panel featured presentations from esteemed researchers and professors, shedding light on the nuanced aspects of gender representation in serial dramas and its reception among young audiences.
Presentations:
Link Campus University : Paola De Rosa presented “Teen dramas and gender(s): The Italian young adults’ perspective.”
Key points included the topic on perceived influence, how Italian students behavior can be shaped by character identification. and the concerns over romanticising certain themes such as toxic love, especially among younger and less educated audiences. Another topic discussed was different representation strategies and it’s impact. Inclusive Representation: Normalisation of diverse body types and sexual orientations. Forced Representation: Critique of over-idealisation of diversity. Limited Representation: Hierarchy in representing sexual orientations. Two-fold Influence Confirmation: Stronger impact on younger and less educated viewers. Social Impact: Facilitates societal discussions, especially regarding sexuality education in schools.
Maynooth University: Izzy Fox discussed “Divergent perceptions of gender issues in serial drama in Ireland.”
Key points included the lack of Irish serial drama for teens, the popularity of streaming US and UK shows, and different consumption habits during lockdown. Suggestions were made for future research samples, including single-sex schools, rural schools and gaelscoils
University of Bucharest: Nicoleta Talpes examined “Challenging traditional representation of gender: Romanian teens’ consumption of serial drama.”
The presentation highlighted the influence of media in shaping perceptions and expectations of gender roles among Romanian teenagers. A discernible shift towards gender equality awareness among Romanian teens was noted, indicating progressive changes in mindset. The dynamic interplay in media, where traditional gender roles are being
challenged by contemporary narratives, was discussed as actively shaping new attitudes among teens.
Aalborg University: Louise Brix Jacobsen presented “Towards a naturalized representation of gender issues: Danish high school students’ series consumption.”
Key points made were that Danish high school students prefer “naturalised” content when it comes to gender issues in serial drama. Students also prefer narratives with “unforced” appearances of gender equality and representations of sexual orientations.
