Shojo Manga/Anime's Effect on the U.S Female Fans’ Gender Role Constructions, Romantic Expectations, and Real-Life Experiences

• In Event: Children, Adolescents, & the Media Division - Research Escalator Sessions (Panel 2)

Abstract

This study examined how the U.S female shojo anime/manga fans’ parasocial interactions with shojo characters affect their perception of gender role and romantic relationships and real life experiences. Qualitative in nature, this study explored the life experiences of 14 U.S female shojo manga fans through in-depth interviews. Both positive and negative influences were found. All interviewees claimed that shojo anime/manga influenced their perceptions of gender. They used shojo characters as role models and wanted to be as helpful, positive, feminine and cute as them, yet they all clearly stated their dislike of shojo characters’ passiveness. Shojo anime/manga provided them a dating script and they tried to apply it to real life. Failed to do so, they realised that this script is not necessarily applicable in the U.S context. However, they still prefer shojo anime/manga over romantic comedies in American media, claiming it is more pure, light-hearted and less sexual.

Author

• YUXI ZHOU, the University of Hong Kong