Soap Skilled Teenagers

An audience research of popular teenage series in the contemporary Flemish media (2008-2012)

Researcher(s) (CIMS)

Elke Van Damme

Supervisors (CIMS)

Daniel Biltereyst

Co-Supervisors (CIMS)

Sofie Van Bauwel

Funded by

Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO)

Presentation

The aim of this research is to elaborate on the meaning of popular fictional television programmes for teenagers, who are at a very crucial period in the life long process of constructing a self identity. By means of a qualitative textual film analysis, we will analyse the representations of teenagers in teen series, with a specific emphasis on gender roles and sexuality. The (possible) meanings of those representations for the teen viewing audience will be studied, using a qualitative reception and audience studies.