Date of Award
Spring 4-29-2022
Document Type
Honors Project
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Communication and Digital Studies
Department Chair or Program Director
Rao, Anand
First Advisor
Goldman, Adria
Major or Concentration
Communication and Digital Studies
Abstract
Abstract: The representation in TV shows are proven to impact the way people come to view themselves and other groups of people. Therefore, casting decisions play a critical role in dismantling the patriarchy, white supremacy, and heteronormativity. Season 1 of Bridgerton was praised for bringing a diverse cast to the Regency era. This study aims to determine whether or not Bridgerton is an intersectional feminist show. In order to do this, I used a content analysis approach and looked for emergent themes. I argue that the show fails to be an intersectional feminist one because gender, race, and sexuality never come together: the white women were the challengers of gender norms, the only gay people shown to exist were two white men, and race was essentially not addressed and various racial tropes were used. Bridgerton failed to recognize that in order to make an impact, more steps need to be taken other than only having a diverse cast. When compared to past shows, Bridgerton is a step in the right direction, however there is still a long way to go.
Recommended Citation
Creamer, Payton, "An Intersectional Feminist Look at Bridgerton" (2022). Student Research Submissions. 478.
https://scholar.umw.edu/student_research/478