This thesis examines the differences between teen romantic comedy films marketed to Generation X teenagers in the 1980s and Generation Y teenagers in the 1990s, focusing on the presentation of gender roles, consumptive behavior, and family. The 1980s films are discussed within the social context of the Reagan era and the conservatism of the New Right. The 1990s films are examined as continuing a conservative sensibility, but they additionally posit consumption as instrumental to achieving an idealized romance. Romantic comedy is traditionally a conservative genre, but these films illustrate female liberation through consumption. The source of difference between the cycles of teen romantic comedy is attributed to the media's attempt to position Generation Y teenagers as ideal consumers.

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Dong Dong. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 127-136). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Chapter I. --- Introduction --- p.5 / Chapter II. --- Youth Culture Practiced in Virtual Community --- p.10 / Chapter III. --- "Background, Research Questions and Research Design" --- p.36 / Chapter IV. --- Style of Chinese University BBS Youth Culture --- p.45 / Chapter V. --- Youth Cultural Community as Identified by Style --- p.68 / Chapter VI. --- Resistance within Contexts --- p.84 / Chapter VII. --- Conclusion --- p.108 / Appendix 1 Captions of Postings & Discussion Threads --- p.111 / Appendix 2 Style of BBS Discussion Threads --- p.114 / Appendix 3 BBS Member's Composition --- p.118 / Appendix 4 Personal Reflections on the Film --- p.120 / Appendix 5 --- p.123 / Collective Discussions in Chinese University BBSs --- p.123 / Bibliography --- p.127