Gender Stereotypes In TV Drama

The usual stereotype of a man in television is that they posses all of the power. Typically, they are the ones who take on the bad guy and save the day. Audiences expect them to be both physically and mentally strong and disregard females as they will usually work with the male but in a less powerful position. They are expected to be responsible for the female characters and be able to protect them if need be. 

An example would be DI Chandler from the television drama 'Whitechapel'. DI Chandler is an example of both aspects of this stereotype as he is able to lead his team in violent and often disturbing cases. Although, throughout the drama we see his obsessive compulsive disorder become too much for him to handle. 

The general trend in TV dramas is men should be both attractive and physically strong. Men are seen as a symbol for women for protection, safety and comfort. Men are there to make all the harsh decisions and to stand brave and upright in difficult situations. A perfect example would be Tommy Shelby from 'Peaky Blinders'. Tommy is notorious for being able to make the call in an instant when there is a lot on the line, usually the right one too. He conforms with the first stereotype of possessing great power as he is the head of the family business which is a success on both sides of the law. He also holds great physical strength which is displayed in the show through his numerous violent altercations with his adversaries.  His character also goes along with the second stereotype of the protection of women by always protecting and safeguarding his aunt Polly. Tommy holds great respect and affection for his aunt and sees her as a mother figure due to her having to raise him and his two brothers because of the sudden death of her sister. This means Tommy always takes steps to ensure Polly isn't caught in the crossfire caused by his actions. 

Women are also stereotyped within TV dramas. One and audience can expect to see is the stereotype that female characters are of less intelligence to that of the male characters. This stereotype is often represented when a character is always the last to figure things out or catch on to what is happening in a scene. An audience may well see a male character having to guide this person through a storyline or refrain from telling them too much to avoid confusion in the character. 

Another stereotype of women could be that of the 'housewife'. This is the stereotype that the mother of the family should stay at home all day cooking and cleaning whilst the father is out at work earning the money. An example could be Maxine from 'Hollyoaks'. Maxine's character lives up to the stereotype and stay at home whilst her husband is out at work.