ABSTRACT
This
dissertation sets out to identify gender stereotypes in popular media,
specifically those portrayed in video games, and why it is important for
video game users to recognize stereotypical portrayals. To achieve
this, ten (10) most popular games available in Nigeria were selected and
used for analysis. Students were randomly selected from the target
group and two hundred copies of questionnaire were distributed to gather
more data on the subject matter, interviews were also conducted to this
end. With the use of Social Learning Theory as a lens for analysis,
media depictions can be further understood and analyzed as learning
material for helping young people and adults alike to understand and
accept themselves as individuals rather than seeing themselves within
the mirror of the society. The gender images under investigation are
mass produced and distributed in many countries across the world.
Accordingly, the implications of exposure to the images and themes
characterized in video games take on global importance. As such, the
goal of this study is to shed light on the impact of exposure to the
stereotyped portrayals of video game characters on video game users.
This study has shown that New Media has an influence on how people view
gender issues. This is largely because it is pervasive and also
considered as one of the most powerful influences on people. In other
words, media insinuates messages into our consciousness at every turn.
It is therefore, imperative to note that this study found that all forms
of media communicate images of the sexes, many of which perpetuate
unrealistic, stereotypical, and limiting perceptions. It was also
discovered that gender stereotyping is commonly used in media to enhance
character traits and create humorous situations. It is therefore
perceived that when stereotypes are overwhelmingly present in media
forms, viewers internalize them and go further to replicate them