Document Types
Paper Presentation
School Code
N/A
School Name
De La Salle University Integrated School (Manila)
Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)
Ferrer, Nathaniel Rey D.
Abstract/Executive Summary
With its extensive history, anime continues to create a massive impact all over the globe that would either make or break stereotypes, determining the progression of the particular genre of animation. A significant factor that affects said progression would be the oversexualization of female characters, especially in shōnen anime. Because of this problem, the researchers analyzed in their paper the common patterns of how female characters are portrayed in Assassination Classroom (2015), Kakegurui (2017), and Chainsaw Man (2022), implying the Male Gaze, a theory by Laura Mulvey that examines how movies impact viewers' values by reinforcing pre-existing societal perceptions through psychoanalysis, is present. The researchers also studied the differences and similarities between the samples. In gathering data, the researchers employed textual analysis by watching the samples through Netflix and listing observations in a coding scheme based on “The Clock of a Character” from the work of Eder (2010), as well as Laura Mulvey’s Male Gaze theory (1975). Results showed that the Male Gaze is indeed present in the analyzed samples but holds both negative and positive aspects, which include how female characters are portrayed as characters with agency, strong personalities and initiatives, prominent roles, and diverse designs. On the contrary, negatives include excessive display of skin, especially in the opening and closing credits. Additionally, female characters are mostly treated with respect, and some sexual themes are seen as essential to build up plots and female characters’ backstories.
Keywords
male gaze; oversexualization; shōnen anime; agency; female
Start Date
11-6-2024 1:31 PM
End Date
11-6-2024 3:30 PM
Initial Consent for Publication
yes
Statement of Originality
yes
The Male Gaze: Textual Analysis on Contemporary Shōnen Anime and How Its Female Characters Are Viewed
With its extensive history, anime continues to create a massive impact all over the globe that would either make or break stereotypes, determining the progression of the particular genre of animation. A significant factor that affects said progression would be the oversexualization of female characters, especially in shōnen anime. Because of this problem, the researchers analyzed in their paper the common patterns of how female characters are portrayed in Assassination Classroom (2015), Kakegurui (2017), and Chainsaw Man (2022), implying the Male Gaze, a theory by Laura Mulvey that examines how movies impact viewers' values by reinforcing pre-existing societal perceptions through psychoanalysis, is present. The researchers also studied the differences and similarities between the samples. In gathering data, the researchers employed textual analysis by watching the samples through Netflix and listing observations in a coding scheme based on “The Clock of a Character” from the work of Eder (2010), as well as Laura Mulvey’s Male Gaze theory (1975). Results showed that the Male Gaze is indeed present in the analyzed samples but holds both negative and positive aspects, which include how female characters are portrayed as characters with agency, strong personalities and initiatives, prominent roles, and diverse designs. On the contrary, negatives include excessive display of skin, especially in the opening and closing credits. Additionally, female characters are mostly treated with respect, and some sexual themes are seen as essential to build up plots and female characters’ backstories.
