Scripting Gender: The Transformation of Gender Performativity in Teen Television

Television is a powerful socializing agent, particularly for adolescents navigating identity formation. Although previous studies have examined gender performativity in children’s media, limited attention has been given to teen television shows and how gender norms have been reinforced or challenged through social consequences. This study explored gender performativity in six popular teen television shows, three released in the 2000s and three in the 2020s, to analyze the differences in reward and punishment based on characters conforming to or countering gender stereotypes. Using a quantitative content analysis, 18 episodes were selected and coded for gender stereotypical behaviours and their social consequences. Analysis using chi-squared tests indicated a non-significant overall relationship between gender conformity and social consequences. However, significant differences were present when time-period was considered. Shows from the 2020s depicted fewer rewards for gender-conforming performances, and more rewards and less punishments for gender non-conforming performances, compared to shows in the 2000s. Findings suggest a cultural shift toward more inclusive representations of gender, and demonstrate the evolving nature of teen media in shaping perceptions of identity.