Sociology and Popular Television - by Raisa-Gabriela Zamfirescu (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

This book examines representations of gender, age and identity across the Hallmark film and television output in relation to specific periods of time that pertain to changes within the specific entertainment sector. Using a comprehensive collection of 628 original Hallmark television films released between January 2015 and December 2023, the book applies content analysis to a variety of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed data, including behind-the-scenes credits, actors and actresses, characters and their narratives, promotional posters, Facebook comments, and official synopsis. In addition to examining diversity of race and religion, it analyses ageism through the portrayal of elders and young people in idealized imagery and stereotypes, inclusivity of LGBTQ and disabled characters, and ageism in relation to both masculinities and femininities. This book will be of interest to readers in fields including gender studies and sociology, visual communication, film and television studies, aging, media and communications, and popular culture.

From the Back Cover

This book examines representations of gender, age and identity across the Hallmark film and television output in relation to specific periods of time that pertain to changes within the specific entertainment sector. Using a comprehensive collection of 628 original Hallmark television films released between January 2015 and December 2023, the book applies content analysis to a variety of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed data, including behind-the-scenes credits, actors and actresses, characters and their narratives, promotional posters, Facebook comments, and official synopsis. In addition to examining diversity of race and religion, it analyses ageism through the portrayal of elders and young people in idealized imagery and stereotypes, inclusivity of LGBTQ and disabled characters, and ageism in relation to both masculinities and femininities. This book will be of interest to readers in fields including gender studies and sociology, visual communication, film and television studies, aging, media and communications, and popular culture.

Dr. Raisa Zamfirescu is a sociologist and academic at University of Bucharest, Romania, specializing in gender studies, media analysis, and the sociology of popular culture. With a PhD in Sociology from the University of Bucharest, her research focuses on the intersectionality of gender, age, and identity in media portrayals, particularly in Hallmark Channel movies. Dr. Zamfirescu's work provides critical insights into how femininity, ageism, and stereotypes are represented in television narratives. Beyond her academic research, Dr. Zamfirescu maintains active engagement with media analysis through her work as a television critic and blogger. Her extensive experience in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies has made her a key contributor to contemporary discussions on media and cultural studies.

About the Author

Dr. Raisa-Gabriela Zamfirescu is a sociologist and researcher at the University of Bucharest, specializing in media studies, gender representation, and public health research. Her doctoral work in Sociology examined gender representation and tropes in television media, establishing her expertise in analyzing contemporary media phenomena through both quantitative and qualitative methodological approaches. This dual approach has enabled her to develop comprehensive analytical frameworks for examining contemporary television content. She has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, contributing to scholarly discussions about media representation, public health communication, and social attitudes.

Beyond her academic research, Dr. Zamfirescu maintains active engagement with media analysis through her work as a television critic and blogger. This combination of rigorous academic research and hands-on media analysis expertise uniquely positions her to examine the complex intersections of gender, age, and identity representation in contemporary television media.