Sitcoms And Society Essay
Analyse and evaluate the interrelationship between society and a media genre
The interrelationship between society and sitcoms is due to the affect of societies influence on sitcoms and the influence sitcoms have on society. Certain aspects of this interrelationship include the role of women and how they are perceived, the role of the family group and the cultural ideas and products that are presented in particular sitcoms and how they relate to the time of society.
Societies influence on sitcoms originates from political values and the level of importance that is brought upon families at the time. The role of women has considerably changed since the 1950s where a woman's agenda in life was to be known as the obedient housewife, caring for the children and breadwinner husband. During World War II, some women had taken over male dominated jobs during their time at war and became accustomed to the life of the workforce until the return of men led women to return to their place in the domestic realm of society. Due to the sufferings that the men had been exposed to during the war, this resulted in the actions of women being caring and looking after the household, with dinner on the table, while the male worked to support the family.
The first American sitcom premiered on 15 October 1951 titled "I Love Lucy" starring Lucille Ball as the show's protagonist. The character of Lucy was somewhat an …show more content…
outstanding and unexpected role for women to play at the time and gave women, who were trapped in the role of a housewife, a liberal and enticing view of another aspect of life. This included moving away from the dominant stance that males held in a women's life. Men, at this time, were able to decide where and when a woman was allowed a social life and due to Lucille Ball's character Lucy, she acknowledged the fact that a change from male suffocation' was an acceptable advancement for women. Lucille Ball paved the way for women to promote their personality and live outside the realm of domesticity. She was the first female comedian of this time where it was inappropriate for women to play such a role that was male dominated and continued to do so, leading many others in her wake such as Mary Tyler Moore and Cybill Shepard.
The debut of this sitcom greatly influenced society as it led to out-of-character behaviour in women and promoted the idea of pregnancy in a public approach. This was because of the zany and disobedient character played by Ball whom also included her own private life pregnancy into the world of television. She endorsed the fact that pregnancy was acceptable by publicising the birth of her own child and also played her character as one who was not always willing to do her husband's duties and orders. Lucy Ricardo played by Ball, does not conform to the ideas of a housewife as she publicly seeks for a future in the workforce and constantly disobeys Ricky's orders. For example, in the episode "Lucy Does A TV Commercial" in 1952, Lucy and Ricky have a disagreement where her exposed stubbornness leads to her lack of household duties. "What do you want me to do starve to death would you please " This particular behaviour freed women in society of conventional roles and behaviour that they were authorised to stick to and gave them a refreshing and inviting release to be at an equal status to their husband or partner. Also, this particular sitcom was a possible opening of censorship norms as the audience viewed certain incidents that were not considered orderly and respectable of a young, newly married housewife, such as the state of drunkenness Lucy gets herself into.
Due to the strictness of the unwritten laws of society, such sitcoms were developed to allow equal gender roles to be established and to banish the idea of women being degraded and seen as a "prize".
The role of the family group was predominantly the main focus of one's life in the 1970s. Life in this decade revolved around those closest to you as conservatism was still strong and the idea of keeping up appearances was still important due to close neighbours in a suburban society. These ideas established from the unjust world to fight against segregation and economic deprivation from the themes bought up by civil right movements. Such ideas also created a sense of unity, which became a strong theme in the American culture of the 1950s and was constantly reflected in sensationalised sitcoms. Suburban living at this time was increasing as the "worldview of the middle class and its relationship with the rest of society" became less detached as the different classes of society became less inclusive. Morals and values became hugely important for families and sitcoms of this time as the characters began learning reflective lessons in front of the viewers, almost preaching the right way to live'. For example, "The Brady Bunch" reinforces ideas of the perfection of family life, lessons on how to bring up children and stamping ideas of morality into the audience. At the end of every episode it seems the parents put the children in their places, allowing them to learn their own lessons, yet teaching them of the rights and wrongs in life. In one particular episode, the major point of wrong-doing' is when one of the three sons tapes conversations that happen between other family members, that are confidential, and stirs his fellow siblings into turmoil, as they believe their supposed confidante has leaked private information. Once the culprit is revealed the betrayed siblings do the same to the young son but the mission' becomes intercepted by the parents who take over the case of emphasising that eavesdropping on conversations shows disrespect of privacy and how they should not take part in such activities again.
"The Brady Bunch" set the stage in the 1970s for families that were not always completely perfect. The two parents, whom were previously from unsuccessful relationships, marry each other and integrate their children from their previous relationship into their current family and home. This highlights the fact that attitudes in society were becoming more open and accepting. It also shows that instead of married couples being portrayed on screen there was also children of the couples being introduced enforcing the power and representation of family as positive and as a rite of passage in life for every married couple. Sitcoms based around family were promoting ideas of this and the future role that children would play in the perfect everyday household therefore encouraging family life in suburbia where "The Brady Bunch" was set, as a perfect stage and atmosphere for raising a healthy' family. Sitcoms, possibly subconsciously, are reflecting the idea of the goodness of neighbourhoods and enforcing society to place themselves among a suburban living setting. Sitcoms are almost seen as an advertisement for those in society to establish the perfect' family life as suburbia is shown as being enticing and an almost holy and moral way to live life.
Due to changes in society in the 1980s, such as the rise of rebellion and exercising the right for freedom, this allowed the introduction to the obsession of punk music and family groups took a different turn as some sitcoms revolved around a close group of friends instead of a homely and humble family environment. Such ideas are expressed in the sitcom "The Young Ones" which aired during the 1980s and illustrated an all male atmosphere where instead of homely, tidy surroundings there was an establishment of destruction, mess and unhygienic settings of a college boarding house, removing all aspects of family and morals in a suburbia setting. Such characters are represented in this sitcom such as the protester, the punk, the hippie and the smooth guy portraying different aspects of society at the time. No longer were the groups of people represented family-orientated but were more concerned for their own well being and having their own opinions spoken allowed. This particular sitcom breaks the genre as it revolves around a group of friends instead of a small moralist family. Both rebellion and freedom are emphasised more clearly in a friendly atmosphere rather than a homely one and this emphasises such strong themes in a more realistic manner. "The Young Ones" allows the audience to laugh at the society that they live in and makes fun of the behaviours and influences that are made to harmonise society. For example, the character of Rik, the student protester comments, "Everyone in England will be free and there will be no social prejudice or hatred. Neil, I hate you." They upset and ridicule everyday society and politics and use caricatures of stereotypes that are somewhat forbidden' in society and are not acceptable. This 1980s sitcom also makes fun of the way sitcoms are used to advertise certain products. This is shown by the Kellogg's Cornflake packet which also emphasises the idea of an ideal nuclear family' and the fact that on the surface such perfection is seen but underneath is a dysfunctional family. The conventions of variety shows are also inserted into this particular sitcom, as scenes of musical performances of the boy's band and television shows become a part of the programme.
As society develops so does the humour of sitcoms, applying the sitcom to the times of society particularly in "The Young Ones" where political views are commonly mentioned. Political views became more talked about due to society having a better view of government and their true beliefs and expectations of a country. Such events as the Springbok Tour in New Zealand during 1981 and the share market crash reinforced the lack of dependability that society had upon their government ruling. The leadership position of Margaret Thatcher, also known as The Iron Lady', as Conservative Leader of Britain, increased the interaction and the relationship between the government and the voters, as Thatcher became an icon to respect and informed the people of England on political changes that she wished to take place. Sitcoms, during this period, where exaggerating the roles of political movements and allowing society to have a view in global issues and the rights and privileges that they were entitled to. The change of family groups in sitcoms acknowledged the idea of each person being an individual and not being suppressed in a particular environment, such as a family home, by expanding their own personality in a social atmosphere.
Cultural products and ideas established in the 1950s when the invention of black and white television was distributed globally resulting in the entry of advertising. The increase of technology resulting in the progression of products enhanced the use of consumerism and identified many with a self-image obsession. Cultural products are represented through the setting of the sitcom. For example in "Absolutely Fabulous" Edina is constantly bombarded with the improvement of her self-image due to the type of field she works in, fashion. The cultural aspects of a sitcom represent the way society is developing and in this particular sitcom references are made to colonic irrigation and plastic surgery. "Absolutely Fabulous" continuously mentions the use of alcohol and drugs and shows the fact that these items are used in society on a regular basis and are not considered as taboo as they may have been in the 1950s where conservatism held many people back from a strong social life. Edina is in the type of environment where products such as drugs are commonly and blatantly used, "Here, have some coke." Culture as a whole is blended into the European society, as different ethnic foods become fashion and the in-thing' to common and everyday people. Society has changed this way through the expanse of media being projected to people around the world. Developing technology has also enforced societal changes and as technology progresses through the centuries, such products are targeted at a younger age group. This would be because of the confidence that seems to have increased at an earlier age due to younger generations having the right to speak out their opinions in such political views as environmental awareness. Consumerism has increased to radical requests of the potential to beautify a person's public appearance and the most convincing and approachable age group for such a product would be easily accepting by the younger generation of society.
The main cultural aspect of the 1990s was being among the many to experience the new crazes that took over the world, such as plastic surgery, that led to the acceptance of others and being included in the new era of society. Cultural references in society establish the personalities of the characters in sitcoms and being obsessed with body image and how they are represented towards others. Sitcoms at the same time are making fun of these increases in technology as such questions as "Sweety, should mummy get her nose done?" are so easily mentioned and laughed at as a resolution to being bored with life and being totally preoccupied with their looks. In a way, sitcoms also make these things acceptable, as they must have some importance and status to be mentioned and remarked at so easily on a sitcom portraying life in the 1990s. The fact that such procedures as nose jobs and Botox are made acceptable is by the way sitcoms advertise procedures on their show. Such cultural products are talked about and bought up to allow society to delve into and consume such products and services that will supposedly fulfil and better their life. The fact that both Patsy and Edina from "Absolutely Fabulous" have successful lives and a social life to envy enhance the fact that consumerism of the products being advertised on the show are definitely worth buying. Yet, the way that comments about nose jobs are also used bluntly and in a humorous way highlight the stupidity and absurdity of an introduction of such products into society.
Sitcoms that mention the fashionable and new age findings of the era are branding a certain label and are establishing another form of advertising on a television programme, making it acceptable for people around the world to survey new technological processes as positive ways to improve a person's life.
Therefore sitcoms enhance the power and promotion of the phases that are being introduced in society and are making society aware of societal changes but are also highlighting in some ways the stupidity of it, depending on the context that it is being used
in.
Overall, society influences the content that is viewed in sitcoms and establishes a basis for the sitcom while most sitcoms in some way try to break barriers and laugh at the restrictions that society hold upon a person. Sitcoms represent the messages and values of society at the time and are used as a tool to influence the viewers in their day-to-day life such as "The Brady Bunch" with its strong family morals and later on sitcoms are seen as a tool to demonstrate some of the real issues that still underlie society today. Both society and sitcoms are dependable upon each other for change and new growth and promoting the new occurrences that are rapidly changing the viewer's world.
The interrelationship between society and sitcoms is due to the affect of societies influence on sitcoms and the influence sitcoms have on society. Certain aspects of this interrelationship include the role of women and how they are perceived, the role of the family group and the cultural ideas and products that are presented in particular sitcoms and how they relate to the time of society.
Societies influence on sitcoms originates from political values and the level of importance that is brought upon families at the time. The role of women has considerably changed since the 1950s where a woman's agenda in life was to be known as the obedient housewife, caring for the children and breadwinner husband. During World War II, some women had taken over male dominated jobs during their time at war and became accustomed to the life of the workforce until the return of men led women to return to their place in the domestic realm of society. Due to the sufferings that the men had been exposed to during the war, this resulted in the actions of women being caring and looking after the household, with dinner on the table, while the male worked to support the family.
The first American sitcom premiered on 15 October 1951 titled "I Love Lucy" starring Lucille Ball as the show's protagonist. The character of Lucy was somewhat an …show more content…
outstanding and unexpected role for women to play at the time and gave women, who were trapped in the role of a housewife, a liberal and enticing view of another aspect of life. This included moving away from the dominant stance that males held in a women's life. Men, at this time, were able to decide where and when a woman was allowed a social life and due to Lucille Ball's character Lucy, she acknowledged the fact that a change from male suffocation' was an acceptable advancement for women. Lucille Ball paved the way for women to promote their personality and live outside the realm of domesticity. She was the first female comedian of this time where it was inappropriate for women to play such a role that was male dominated and continued to do so, leading many others in her wake such as Mary Tyler Moore and Cybill Shepard.
The debut of this sitcom greatly influenced society as it led to out-of-character behaviour in women and promoted the idea of pregnancy in a public approach. This was because of the zany and disobedient character played by Ball whom also included her own private life pregnancy into the world of television. She endorsed the fact that pregnancy was acceptable by publicising the birth of her own child and also played her character as one who was not always willing to do her husband's duties and orders. Lucy Ricardo played by Ball, does not conform to the ideas of a housewife as she publicly seeks for a future in the workforce and constantly disobeys Ricky's orders. For example, in the episode "Lucy Does A TV Commercial" in 1952, Lucy and Ricky have a disagreement where her exposed stubbornness leads to her lack of household duties. "What do you want me to do starve to death would you please " This particular behaviour freed women in society of conventional roles and behaviour that they were authorised to stick to and gave them a refreshing and inviting release to be at an equal status to their husband or partner. Also, this particular sitcom was a possible opening of censorship norms as the audience viewed certain incidents that were not considered orderly and respectable of a young, newly married housewife, such as the state of drunkenness Lucy gets herself into.
Due to the strictness of the unwritten laws of society, such sitcoms were developed to allow equal gender roles to be established and to banish the idea of women being degraded and seen as a "prize".
The role of the family group was predominantly the main focus of one's life in the 1970s. Life in this decade revolved around those closest to you as conservatism was still strong and the idea of keeping up appearances was still important due to close neighbours in a suburban society. These ideas established from the unjust world to fight against segregation and economic deprivation from the themes bought up by civil right movements. Such ideas also created a sense of unity, which became a strong theme in the American culture of the 1950s and was constantly reflected in sensationalised sitcoms. Suburban living at this time was increasing as the "worldview of the middle class and its relationship with the rest of society" became less detached as the different classes of society became less inclusive. Morals and values became hugely important for families and sitcoms of this time as the characters began learning reflective lessons in front of the viewers, almost preaching the right way to live'. For example, "The Brady Bunch" reinforces ideas of the perfection of family life, lessons on how to bring up children and stamping ideas of morality into the audience. At the end of every episode it seems the parents put the children in their places, allowing them to learn their own lessons, yet teaching them of the rights and wrongs in life. In one particular episode, the major point of wrong-doing' is when one of the three sons tapes conversations that happen between other family members, that are confidential, and stirs his fellow siblings into turmoil, as they believe their supposed confidante has leaked private information. Once the culprit is revealed the betrayed siblings do the same to the young son but the mission' becomes intercepted by the parents who take over the case of emphasising that eavesdropping on conversations shows disrespect of privacy and how they should not take part in such activities again.
"The Brady Bunch" set the stage in the 1970s for families that were not always completely perfect. The two parents, whom were previously from unsuccessful relationships, marry each other and integrate their children from their previous relationship into their current family and home. This highlights the fact that attitudes in society were becoming more open and accepting. It also shows that instead of married couples being portrayed on screen there was also children of the couples being introduced enforcing the power and representation of family as positive and as a rite of passage in life for every married couple. Sitcoms based around family were promoting ideas of this and the future role that children would play in the perfect everyday household therefore encouraging family life in suburbia where "The Brady Bunch" was set, as a perfect stage and atmosphere for raising a healthy' family. Sitcoms, possibly subconsciously, are reflecting the idea of the goodness of neighbourhoods and enforcing society to place themselves among a suburban living setting. Sitcoms are almost seen as an advertisement for those in society to establish the perfect' family life as suburbia is shown as being enticing and an almost holy and moral way to live life.
Due to changes in society in the 1980s, such as the rise of rebellion and exercising the right for freedom, this allowed the introduction to the obsession of punk music and family groups took a different turn as some sitcoms revolved around a close group of friends instead of a homely and humble family environment. Such ideas are expressed in the sitcom "The Young Ones" which aired during the 1980s and illustrated an all male atmosphere where instead of homely, tidy surroundings there was an establishment of destruction, mess and unhygienic settings of a college boarding house, removing all aspects of family and morals in a suburbia setting. Such characters are represented in this sitcom such as the protester, the punk, the hippie and the smooth guy portraying different aspects of society at the time. No longer were the groups of people represented family-orientated but were more concerned for their own well being and having their own opinions spoken allowed. This particular sitcom breaks the genre as it revolves around a group of friends instead of a small moralist family. Both rebellion and freedom are emphasised more clearly in a friendly atmosphere rather than a homely one and this emphasises such strong themes in a more realistic manner. "The Young Ones" allows the audience to laugh at the society that they live in and makes fun of the behaviours and influences that are made to harmonise society. For example, the character of Rik, the student protester comments, "Everyone in England will be free and there will be no social prejudice or hatred. Neil, I hate you." They upset and ridicule everyday society and politics and use caricatures of stereotypes that are somewhat forbidden' in society and are not acceptable. This 1980s sitcom also makes fun of the way sitcoms are used to advertise certain products. This is shown by the Kellogg's Cornflake packet which also emphasises the idea of an ideal nuclear family' and the fact that on the surface such perfection is seen but underneath is a dysfunctional family. The conventions of variety shows are also inserted into this particular sitcom, as scenes of musical performances of the boy's band and television shows become a part of the programme.
As society develops so does the humour of sitcoms, applying the sitcom to the times of society particularly in "The Young Ones" where political views are commonly mentioned. Political views became more talked about due to society having a better view of government and their true beliefs and expectations of a country. Such events as the Springbok Tour in New Zealand during 1981 and the share market crash reinforced the lack of dependability that society had upon their government ruling. The leadership position of Margaret Thatcher, also known as The Iron Lady', as Conservative Leader of Britain, increased the interaction and the relationship between the government and the voters, as Thatcher became an icon to respect and informed the people of England on political changes that she wished to take place. Sitcoms, during this period, where exaggerating the roles of political movements and allowing society to have a view in global issues and the rights and privileges that they were entitled to. The change of family groups in sitcoms acknowledged the idea of each person being an individual and not being suppressed in a particular environment, such as a family home, by expanding their own personality in a social atmosphere.
Cultural products and ideas established in the 1950s when the invention of black and white television was distributed globally resulting in the entry of advertising. The increase of technology resulting in the progression of products enhanced the use of consumerism and identified many with a self-image obsession. Cultural products are represented through the setting of the sitcom. For example in "Absolutely Fabulous" Edina is constantly bombarded with the improvement of her self-image due to the type of field she works in, fashion. The cultural aspects of a sitcom represent the way society is developing and in this particular sitcom references are made to colonic irrigation and plastic surgery. "Absolutely Fabulous" continuously mentions the use of alcohol and drugs and shows the fact that these items are used in society on a regular basis and are not considered as taboo as they may have been in the 1950s where conservatism held many people back from a strong social life. Edina is in the type of environment where products such as drugs are commonly and blatantly used, "Here, have some coke." Culture as a whole is blended into the European society, as different ethnic foods become fashion and the in-thing' to common and everyday people. Society has changed this way through the expanse of media being projected to people around the world. Developing technology has also enforced societal changes and as technology progresses through the centuries, such products are targeted at a younger age group. This would be because of the confidence that seems to have increased at an earlier age due to younger generations having the right to speak out their opinions in such political views as environmental awareness. Consumerism has increased to radical requests of the potential to beautify a person's public appearance and the most convincing and approachable age group for such a product would be easily accepting by the younger generation of society.
The main cultural aspect of the 1990s was being among the many to experience the new crazes that took over the world, such as plastic surgery, that led to the acceptance of others and being included in the new era of society. Cultural references in society establish the personalities of the characters in sitcoms and being obsessed with body image and how they are represented towards others. Sitcoms at the same time are making fun of these increases in technology as such questions as "Sweety, should mummy get her nose done?" are so easily mentioned and laughed at as a resolution to being bored with life and being totally preoccupied with their looks. In a way, sitcoms also make these things acceptable, as they must have some importance and status to be mentioned and remarked at so easily on a sitcom portraying life in the 1990s. The fact that such procedures as nose jobs and Botox are made acceptable is by the way sitcoms advertise procedures on their show. Such cultural products are talked about and bought up to allow society to delve into and consume such products and services that will supposedly fulfil and better their life. The fact that both Patsy and Edina from "Absolutely Fabulous" have successful lives and a social life to envy enhance the fact that consumerism of the products being advertised on the show are definitely worth buying. Yet, the way that comments about nose jobs are also used bluntly and in a humorous way highlight the stupidity and absurdity of an introduction of such products into society.
Sitcoms that mention the fashionable and new age findings of the era are branding a certain label and are establishing another form of advertising on a television programme, making it acceptable for people around the world to survey new technological processes as positive ways to improve a person's life.
Therefore sitcoms enhance the power and promotion of the phases that are being introduced in society and are making society aware of societal changes but are also highlighting in some ways the stupidity of it, depending on the context that it is being used
in.
Overall, society influences the content that is viewed in sitcoms and establishes a basis for the sitcom while most sitcoms in some way try to break barriers and laugh at the restrictions that society hold upon a person. Sitcoms represent the messages and values of society at the time and are used as a tool to influence the viewers in their day-to-day life such as "The Brady Bunch" with its strong family morals and later on sitcoms are seen as a tool to demonstrate some of the real issues that still underlie society today. Both society and sitcoms are dependable upon each other for change and new growth and promoting the new occurrences that are rapidly changing the viewer's world.