Exploring the Influence of Increased Representation in Film on Society and Presidential Candidates

This thesis studies the increase in films with underrepresented leading characters in the last five years compared with the last 20 years, to examine if this has led to an increase in underrepresented presidential candidates in the same time period. Determining if there is a connection to the influence of film on society and demand for representation can help inform political parties as they choose future candidates. An assessment of 15 of these films in the last five years explores presidential personality traits demonstrated by underrepresented leading characters compared with U.S. presidents. The results suggest that the influence of film may play a causal role in normalizing and increasing the number of underrepresented presidential candidates. 

Author

• Atkinson, Jonathan David

Language

• en

Keyword

• Personality Traits
• Representation
• Gender
• Race
• Sexual Orientation

Date created

• 2021

Type of Work

• Master's Thesis

License

• All rights reserved

Rights statement

• In Copyright

GW Unit

• Political Management

Degree

• M.P.S.

Advisor

• Cornfield, Michael

Committee Member(s)

• Harvey, Kerric

Persistent URL

•  https://scholarspace.library.gwu.edu/etd/k643b1959