28th Annual Student Research Conference
Analysis of the Portrayal of Victims in Slasher Horror Film: Assessment of Victims Adherence to Gender Norms and if it Affects the Violence and Objectification Experienced
Becca Y. Lenger
Dr. Anton Daughters, Faculty Mentor
Slasher horror films have received notorious criticism because feminine victims supposedly experience more violence and sexual objectification in the films than their masculine counterparts. This study was inspired by previous analyses of slasher horror films that focused on the relationship between biological sex, violence and sexual objectification. This analysis is focused on the relationship between gender, violence, and sexual objectification to further illuminate the nature of the depictions of victims in slasher horror films. This qualitative content analysis examined the relationship of a slasher horror film victims femininity or masculinity and how it affects the level of sexual objectification and violence the victim experienced. This analysis examined the trend of the differential experience of masculine and feminine victims over the past four decades. Eight American films, two per decade, from 1970-2000 were analyzed with multiple sexual content and violence measures to determine the relationship between gender, violence, and sexual objectification.
Keywords: Gender, Slasher-horror films, Sexual Objectification
Topic(s):Sociology
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 305-3
Location: MG 2050
Time: 1:30