| dc.description.abstract | This research explores how children interpret animated characters in media in an Austrian context, with a specific emphasis on their interpretations related to gender. Discourses on children, gender, and the media are often shaped by a protective approach, emphasizing concerns regarding children’s exposure to potentially harmful content or influences. In examining the topic in this research project, however, theoretical views from the research field of childhood studies are prominent. Key concepts such as childhood being socially constructed and the role of children’s voices and agency in shaping their interpretations are acknowledged. The theoretical view within the research field of childhood studies provided a starting point for connecting it with other theoretical frameworks. The study delves into the intersection of gender and childhood through the lens of feminist poststructuralism, specifically emphasizing Butler’s theory of gender performativity, which suggests that gender is constructed and influenced by language, power dynamics, and the broader social and cultural context. Language assumes a pivotal role in shaping interpretations within the media landscape. Hence, media studies, in relation to cultural studies and audience studies, are regarded as central in this research. These theoretical perspectives also encompass approaches that acknowledge the interplay among context, language, and children's agency in interpreting media content. Employing a qualitative research approach, the study seeks to explore such social phenomena. To incorporate children's voices, a semi- structured visual stimulus interview was combined with the participatory tools of ranking and drawing activities. The fieldwork was conducted in Austria and included 11 children between the ages of 10 and 13 years.
The results of the study, generated through qualitative thematic analysis of children's discussions and interpretations, reveal a complex interplay of societal norms, personal experiences, and media representations, influencing children's sense making of animated characters in relation to gender. While the children participating in this research project demonstrate a more fluid understanding of gender, binary gender norms often underpin their interpretations, influencing their perceptions of characteristics and behaviors of animated characters. The study highlights the importance of recognizing the constructed nature of gender norms and gender. Overall, this research contributes to the fields of childhood studies, media studies, and gender studies by providing insights into the dynamic nature of children's understanding of gender in animated media. | |
