Modern Family and Gender Roles

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Television shows are very powerful modes of communication. One show on a single channel can reach an enormous amount of viewers. With its ability to influence people of all ages, it can change the mindset and views of a person. Television develops images and content that shape our perception of gender roles by reinforcing already established stereotypes. In ABC’s TV show “Modern Family,” writers are changing traditional gender roles to attract more open-minded viewers and to try to change the views of less open-minded on today’s society and cultural stereotypes. In “Modern Family,” Claire’s character is based on the creation of the gender stereotypes that society and prime time television through the years have placed upon women in general and women in relationships. She is a stay-at-home mom. This stereotype presents women as weaker and inferior to men in certain ways. They do not contribute to the family in terms of income, and the men have power over the household. Phil, the father and husband, is the source of income for the family. According to the review by Susan Witt “In male-female interaction, men are usually more dominant.” (Witt). But in this “Modern Family” relationship this is not the case. Claire usually orders Phil about what to do. Witt also says, “For men, the emphasis is on strength, performance, and skill” (Witt). But here we see instances of the gender stereotype actually flipped. For example, in the episode “Plains, Trains and Cars,” Phil’s duty for the day is to go out and purchase a new vehicle for the family as Claire instructs him to do. Already this episode from the beginning challenges the stereotype that men have the power in the relationship because Phil is given an order by Claire. This episode offers a challenge to the idea that the man always has all the power and self-confidence. Phil is scared about Claire’s reaction to him
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