Flirting, Fashion, and Fun: The Gendered Portrayal of Female College Students in ABC Family’s “Greek”

• In Event: Social Media, Popular Culture, and Higher Education

Abstract

This study examines the portrayal of female students in the first season of the primetime ABC Family show, "Greek". Using a critical perspective, we identify and discuss the ideas and values these portrayals may signify related to women’s presence in higher education. Our analysis reveals various underlying expectations and behaviors in the episodes that illustrate roles and norms for women in limiting and sexist ways. We discuss how the conventional, limiting and disempowering messages embedded in the portrayal of Greek’s college women could be a reaction to women’s greater presence in higher education

Authors

• Pauline J. Reynolds, University of Redlands

• Jesse Perez Mendez, Oklahoma State University