Stereotypes In The American Family Sitcom: Modern Family

GENRE READING

In the American family sitcom “Modern Family” created by Christopher Lloyd and Steven Levitan, a convention often used in the sitcom genre is ‘Nuclear Family’. The sitcom genre is a comedy that is concentrated on the same permanent characters that are shown throughout the shows episodes in the same or similar settings.

A nuclear family is composed of a heterosexual couple with one or more children. The ‘Dunphys’ are an example of a nuclear family. Phil (Ty Burrel) and Claire (Julie Bowen) parents of 3 teens, Haley (Sarah Hyland), Alex (Ariel Winter) and Luke (Nolan Gould). The Dunphys appear to reside in a big house in a suburban middle class area. We see Claire as a stay at home mother and Phil working as a realtor. Claire is presented to be the more

This example shows the traditional view of American families where the mother is the more organised and is more involved with the kids while the father is there to help with rules and punishment. The Dunphys are relatable to most nuclear families in America who would find themselves in this position possibly in their daily lives. Modern family uses the stereotypes of a nuclear family to appear humorous and engaging to people that can relate. The idea of a nuclear family in Modern Family, is similar to shows such as The Cosby show, Father knows best and Everybody loves Raymond. All sitcoms show a traditional nuclear family with wealth and show gender roles in the same way. The wives are seen as uptight and naggy that hold themselves responsible for their households maintaining family values. A quote from Tim Burton says “My parents suffered from that ideal of a perfect nuclear family. They found that a difficult pressure, I think.” The convention of a nuclear family is not seen as the American ideal anymore and families wants and needs have progressed since the