In 2004, Geena Davis sat with her pre-school age daughter watching TV and movies, and they began to notice something: a lack of female characters. Davis thought, if my daughter notices, then what message does this send to all children?

She went on to raise funds for the largest research project ever undertaken on gender in children's entertainment.

The research results shocked Davis and led her to found The Geena Davis Institute.

"I want to live in a world where girls and boys, and women and men, are treated with equal dignity and have equal opportunities. GDIGM examines the current representations of females and males in media for children, and imagines a more inclusive, equal and exciting world."

-Barbara J. Nelson
Dean, UCLA School of Public Affairs

Read the research and get involved to support this work.

RESEARCH OVERVIEW

The Institutes work is based on the largest research project ever undertaken on gender in children's entertainment. Dr. Stacy Smith and her team at USCs Annenberg School for Communication carried out 4 discrete studies, including one on children's television and three on film.

Read the Major Findings of the research.

FULL RESEARCH REPORT

Read the full research article, including methodology.

Gender Stereotypes: An Analysis of Popular Films and TV

RECOMMENDATIONS BASED ON THE RESEARCH

  1. G-rated movies and certain TV categories need more females as main characters, minor characters, narrators, and in crowds.
  2. G-rated movies and certain TV categories need more characters of color, especially female characters of color as main characters, minor characters, narrators, and in crowds.
  3. G-rated movies need to create more female characters with aspirations beyond romance.
  4. G-rated movies need to create more women and girl characters that are valued for their inner character, too.

OTHER RESEARCH & RESOURCES

Below are links to other current research and resources on the topic of gender and childrens media. We have included works we find compelling, and cannot endorse specific methodologies or organizations. These links are intended to broaden the scope of the conversation.

FOR EDUCATORS

FOR ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY HOPEFULS