Gender Representations and Stereotypes on Gamers and Games
Document Type
Oral Presentation
Campus where you would like to present
SURC 201
Start Date
16-5-2013
End Date
16-5-2013
Abstract
When it comes to the gaming world, the majority of people who play games–known as gamers–are assumed to be men. The stereotype of these gamers is that they are male, spend hours in front of their consoles and computers, and are mesmerized by the sexualized characters in their games. What very few people realize is that the demographic of the gamer is not as restrictive. Not all gamers agree with the associated stereotypes, gender representations of themselves, or the characters in the games that they play. In the world of gaming, there are gamers who do not want to be boxed in or limited to these negative stereotypes and gender representations. Little is discussed on the subject of these gamers, outside of how women are represented, the objectification of female characters, and the overall sexualization of both genders. An online survey was created to find out more about who these are gamers. What got them started into playing in first place? How do they react toward the sexist representation of women in gaming? Do they feel if they are negatively stereotyped? What changes (if any) do they want to see in the industry? Turning to a better representation of gamers can lead to greater experiences and a step towards a balanced direction for all genders, in addition to all types of gamers. The data from this survey provides a lens to the varying views of gendered stereotypes.
Recommended Citation
Phillips, Neko, "Gender Representations and Stereotypes on Gamers and Games" (2013). Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 86.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2013/oralpresentations/86
Additional Mentoring Department
Sociology
Gender Representations and Stereotypes on Gamers and Games
SURC 201
When it comes to the gaming world, the majority of people who play games–known as gamers–are assumed to be men. The stereotype of these gamers is that they are male, spend hours in front of their consoles and computers, and are mesmerized by the sexualized characters in their games. What very few people realize is that the demographic of the gamer is not as restrictive. Not all gamers agree with the associated stereotypes, gender representations of themselves, or the characters in the games that they play. In the world of gaming, there are gamers who do not want to be boxed in or limited to these negative stereotypes and gender representations. Little is discussed on the subject of these gamers, outside of how women are represented, the objectification of female characters, and the overall sexualization of both genders. An online survey was created to find out more about who these are gamers. What got them started into playing in first place? How do they react toward the sexist representation of women in gaming? Do they feel if they are negatively stereotyped? What changes (if any) do they want to see in the industry? Turning to a better representation of gamers can lead to greater experiences and a step towards a balanced direction for all genders, in addition to all types of gamers. The data from this survey provides a lens to the varying views of gendered stereotypes.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Pamela McMullin-Messier