Misogyny In Video Games

Discussion

The results obtained from this research project supported my hypothesis and existing literature which is illustrated in the literature review, in relation to the influence of violent video games on negative behaviour towards women, specifically the video game “Grand Theft Auto”. I will now discuss the relevant literature which backs up my recent findings.

Within the gaming culture, there is prominent evidence of misogyny, but it is what creates or maintains this misogyny which is important. As discussed in the literature review, the video gaming industry is male dominated as they target white males as their main consumers, as a result this creates cultural gender norms within society. Rakow argues that “technology is a site where

Although the individual may or may not accept these identities which are presented to them. These portrayals of gender norms within video games can affect the players attitude towards women and their expectations about the behaviour of women. This may have substantial consequences in relation to women obtaining gender equality with men in the future, as men will learn to believe that the acceptable roles of women include being weak, dependent of males, and subordinate. According to Bialeschki (1990), “By conforming to gender role expectations, young girls restrict their own potential because so many important skills and activities have been designated as ‘inappropriate’ for them” (Bialeschki, 1990:54). This is mainly due to gender norms which are presented to individuals within the gaming culture, this can have major consequences when it comes to the gender socialisation of individuals within society, as traditional gender roles wherein the female is viewed as subordinate are expected and rewarded. Therefore the portrayal of women as over-sexualised, objectified and subordinate to males depicts an inaccurate representation of female gender behaviour within video games. This can have serious implications within society as video games have become an agent within the development of identities in its players (Miller & Summers, 2007:734). Lande (1993), argues that individuals exposure to violence within video games may result in negative outcomes in relation to a small percentage of individuals who are deemed to be more impressionable and also vulnerable (Lande, 1993). Although it is only a small percentage of individuals in which this relates to, there can be significant consequences. Further action will have to be taken in the future with regards to the reduction or exclusion of gender norms such as the over-sexualisation,