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Teen ages: Youth market romance in Hollywood teen films of the 1980s and 1990s

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.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:unt.edu/info:ark/67531/metadc2749
Date05 1900
CreatorsMurphy, Caryn E.
ContributorsHoerschelmann, Olaf, Negra, Diane, Benshoff, Harry
PublisherUniversity of North Texas
Source SetsUniversity of North Texas
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis or Dissertation
FormatText
RightsUse restricted to UNT Community, Copyright, Murphy, Caryn E., Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.

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