Evening the Score in Prime Time: The Relationship Between Behind-the-Scenes Women and On-Screen Portrayals in the 2002-2003 Season

Abstract

Using situation comedies and dramas airing on the 6 broadcast networks in the 2002-2003 prime-time season, this study analyzed employment of women behind the scenes and more equitable portrayals of female and male characters. In 78 separate tests, the employment of one or more women writers, creators, or executive producers was associated with reduced on-screen gender differences in leadership, occupational power, and goal-seeking behavior, when compared to programs with all-male writers, creators, and executive producers. In 5 of 9 tests, no statistically significant gender differences regarding leadership, occupational power, and goal-seeking behavior were found when women were present behind the scenes.