Teen ages: Youth market romance in Hollywood teen films of the 1980s and 1990s

This thesis examines the differences between teen romantic comedy films marketed to Generation X teenagers in the 1980s and Generation Y teenagers in the 1990s, focusing on the presentation of gender roles, consumptive behavior, and family. The 1980s films are discussed within the social context of the Reagan era and the conservatism of the New Right. The 1990s films are examined as continuing a conservative sensibility, but they additionally posit consumption as instrumental to achieving an idealized romance. Romantic comedy is traditionally a conservative genre, but these films illustrate female liberation through consumption. The source of difference between the cycles of teen romantic comedy is attributed to the media's attempt to position Generation Y teenagers as ideal consumers.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of North Texas

Year dc:date

2001

Author dc:creator

• Murphy, Caryn E.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Hoerschelmann, Olaf
• Negra, Diane
• Benshoff, Harry

• Comedy films -- History and criticism.
• Teenagers in motion pictures.
• gender roles
• teen films
• teen romantic comedy
• Generation X
• Generation Y

Statement dc:rights

• Public
• Copyright
• Murphy, Caryn E.
• Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

oclc: 47849219
https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2749/
ark: ark:/67531/metadc2749

OAI identifier oai:identifier

info:ark/67531/metadc2749