Women in Television The role of women in television has had an impact
important on humanity and on life in America. The image of women in situation
comedies has changed. Women in our society have played many roles. During this
period from the decades of the 1950’s through the 1990’s, women started getting
their own jobs and got better schooling. The roles of women as portrayed in
popular American television have changed from that of humiliating, degrading
images to those of dignity and respect. In the series, the “Brady Bunch”, Carol
Brady, cast as the role of the mother, is portrayed as a person who dedicates
her entire life to her family. Her activities are family centered. It does not
appear that she has employable skills, or that she would choose to go into the
work world. She is not portrayed as a decision-maker but waits until her husband
comes home to make decisions.
Alice, A very strong “maid” who virtually makes decisions about running the
household, supports her management of her home. A great emphasis is placed on
Mrs. Brady’s physical attractiveness. In contrast, the series “Home Improvement”
has a mother who is strong and makes all the decisions of the household.
Compared to Mrs. Brady’s portrayal, the mother is a powerful and hard working
mother and wife for both her boys and her husband. She portrays the major
influence that working women have on American society today. The foci on women
on television have changed since the 1950's, giving women more powerful images.
Today, in the 1990's, women have shown that their standards are for excellence
in both work and home. Educational background is more important than sex appeal.
Indeed, the image of women portrayed in television since the 1950's has improved
to one of dignity and respect.
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