A Qualitative Study of Representations of Socially Stigmatized Individuals in CSI
Description/Abstract/Artist Statement
In this study, we used a mixed method approach to analyze depictions of socially stigmatized individuals including victims of intimate partner violence (IPV), those who use substances, and those with mental illnesses. A quantitative analysis was used to account for how frequently individuals from the target groups were represented while a qualitative analysis was used to assess those depictions for demographic information as well as how much sympathy was elicited from the audience. The media of focus is television, specifically the crime-drama Crime Scene Investigation (CSI). We chose CSI to analyze because of its popularity across its 15 seasons as well as its ease of access as it is made available for streaming through Hulu. After coding seasons 1, 2, 14, 15, as well as the two finale episodes of season 16 for the target groups, we established thematic categories to determine whether the show contributed to or challenged stigma towards these groups through upholding or defying harmful stereotypes, which affects how sympathy is solicited. Ultimately, we found that CSI did little to challenge stereotypes or stigma faced by the target groups, and that these depictions typically distort what is known about these groups in ways that can undermine addressing these issues in a meaningful way. This research is important as it helps us understand how media sustains the status quo or creates narratives around uncommon experiences that build sympathy and invoke social change.
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Tracy Sohoni
College Affiliation
College of Arts & Letters
Presentation Type
Poster
Disciplines
Communication | Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Session Title
Interdisciplinary Research #1
Location
Zoom Room A
Start Date
3-20-2021 9:00 AM
End Date
3-20-2021 9:55 AM
A Qualitative Study of Representations of Socially Stigmatized Individuals in CSI
Zoom Room A
In this study, we used a mixed method approach to analyze depictions of socially stigmatized individuals including victims of intimate partner violence (IPV), those who use substances, and those with mental illnesses. A quantitative analysis was used to account for how frequently individuals from the target groups were represented while a qualitative analysis was used to assess those depictions for demographic information as well as how much sympathy was elicited from the audience. The media of focus is television, specifically the crime-drama Crime Scene Investigation (CSI). We chose CSI to analyze because of its popularity across its 15 seasons as well as its ease of access as it is made available for streaming through Hulu. After coding seasons 1, 2, 14, 15, as well as the two finale episodes of season 16 for the target groups, we established thematic categories to determine whether the show contributed to or challenged stigma towards these groups through upholding or defying harmful stereotypes, which affects how sympathy is solicited. Ultimately, we found that CSI did little to challenge stereotypes or stigma faced by the target groups, and that these depictions typically distort what is known about these groups in ways that can undermine addressing these issues in a meaningful way. This research is important as it helps us understand how media sustains the status quo or creates narratives around uncommon experiences that build sympathy and invoke social change.