Prime-Time Players and Powerful Prose: The Role of Women in the 1997-1998 Television Season

Abstract

Within a theoretical framework that integrates the influence of market forces and perceived power of creative individuals, this study considers the empirical relations between women working behind the scenes and on screen in prime time. Using the top 64 prime-time series from the first 12 weeks of the 1997-1998 television season, this study specifically examines the dynamic between the presence of women working behind the scenes and use of powerful language by female characters. Powerful language attributes included the use of directives, interruptions, first words, and last words. The study found that the presence of female executive producers and writers is related to greater numbers of female characters. The presence of female executive producers and creators-and to a lesser extent female writers and producers-is related to the use of powerful language patterns by female characters.