31st Annual Student Research Conference
What Remains When the World Ends: A Content Analysis of Cultural Values Reflected in Dystopian Film
Alexandra E. Vietor
Dr. Anton Daughters, Faculty Mentor
In recent years, there has been a rise in dystopian fiction, which is especially notable within the Western movie industry. The movies a society produces both shape and are shaped by that culture. With this in mind, a qualitative content analysis of 18 dystopian films was conducted to examine the narrative elements of each film as they relate to common themes that characterize the dystopian genre. Analyses determine that the themes of violence, the environment, technology, class, and gender seem most prevalent and reflect characteristics and beliefs of Western society over time. These movies not only call upon their audience to reflect on their society as it is in the present, but to envision a better future and act to make that a reality.
Keywords: dystopia, dystopian fiction, qualitative method, content analysis, film analysis
Topic(s):Sociology
Anthropology
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 211-4
Location: VH 1236
Time: 10:15