Reality television and the promotion of problematic behavior among cast members: a case study content analysis through the lens of feminist and media framing theories

ABSTRACT

A combination of feminist and media framing theories allows for a perspective of the world in which power structures play a role in the construction of identities. In mass media spaces, those who hold power can shape the reality for viewers. This longitudinal case study content analysis of one reality television show, MTV’s The Challenge, reveals an ongoing scenario where producers encourage and devote airtime to sexism, racism, and violence, possibly with the intent to increase viewership, resulting in mixed messages for cast members regarding problematic behaviors. Over time, instances of these problematic behaviors increased, and cast members who engaged in these behaviors were more likely to be re-cast than those who did not. Negative behaviors are sometimes met with consequences, but these are inconsistent. As a result, cast members may be misled about acceptable behaviors and may suffer social, professional, and mental health consequences. Further, the content leaves viewers vulnerable to mixed messages on important issues such as sexism, racism, and violence.

KEYWORDS:

• Reality television
• racism
• sexism
• content analysis
• case study

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Karla R. Hamlen

Karla Hamlen is a Full Professor of Educational Research in the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education at Cleveland State University. She earned a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology at the State University of New York at Buffalo. Her research centers around children’s media uses and relationships to educational and psychological processes, preferences, and outcomes. She teaches graduate Educational Research, Statistics, Data-Based Decision Making, Data Analytics, and New Media courses at Cleveland State University.