The Effects of Popular Culture on Public Attitudes toward Female Parolees

The Effects of Popular Culture on Public Attitudes toward Female Parolees By Annette Smith Durrette MS, Bowie State University, 1999 BSN, Bowie State University, 1994 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Forensic Psychology Walden University November 2019 Abstract The depiction of offenders in drama shows may play a significant role in how society views them. The purpose of using Gerbner’s cultivation theory in this study is the belief that the frequency of watching, and the content of television shows can influence public perception. Previous research has used cultivation theory to investigate television shows, but no effort was made to differentiate between genres. There is an important gap in the current literature because few studies have examined how particular television shows influence society’s views of female parolees. This study intends to address that weakness by limiting the study to female offenders. The purpose of the proposed research is to explore the impact of age, gender, genre, demographic location, and frequency of viewing certain television shows on the perceptions of female parolees by the general public. A sample of 263 participants, recruited through social media, completed the surveys. Data analysis was accomplished using multiple linear regression and logistic regression statistics. Findings indicated that the rate of watching the drama shows did not influence how the television viewers perceived female parolees. However, friendly shows were more likely to make participants more accepting of ex-offenders. The results of this research would make a significant contribution to the existing literature. It would enhance social change through initiatives that highlighted issues in some drama shows, and positively affect the perception of viewers.The depiction of offenders in drama shows may play a significant role in how society views them. The purpose of using Gerbner’s cultivation theory in this study is the belief that the frequency of watching, and the content of television shows can influence public perception. Previous research has used cultivation theory to investigate television shows, but no effort was made to differentiate between genres. There is an important gap in the current literature because few studies have examined how particular television shows influence society’s views of female parolees. This study intends to address that weakness by limiting the study to female offenders. The purpose of the proposed research is to explore the impact of age, gender, genre, demographic location, and frequency of viewing certain television shows on the perceptions of female parolees by the general public. A sample of 263 participants, recruited through social media, completed the surveys. Data analysis was accomplished using multiple linear regression and logistic regression statistics. Findings indicated that the rate of watching the drama shows did not influence how the television viewers perceived female parolees. However, friendly shows were more likely to make participants more accepting of ex-offenders. The results of this research would make a significant contribution to the existing literature. It would enhance social change through initiatives that highlighted issues in some drama shows, and positively affect the perception of viewers. The Effects of Popular Culture on Public Attitudes toward Female Parolees By Annette Smith Durrette MS, Bowie State University, 1999 BSN, Bowie State University, 1994 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Forensic Psychology Walden University September 2019 Dedication I would like to dedicate my dissertation to my very supportive daughter Dione Washington who has been my cheerleader throughout this endeavor. My husband Virgus Durrette (late) who provided laughter on those days when I was feeling down. I would also like to thank my friends and family who patiently stood by me, kept me focused, and understood when I could not attend all festivities. I would like to recognize my fellow dissertation colleagues who are walking down the same path for their strength and commitment as they juggle careers and family and continue to the finish line. My faith has also kept me moving forward, and I would like to thank God for giving me the strength and showing me the way ahead. Acknowledgments To my terrific committee members Dr. Ray London (late), Dr. Kristen Beyer, Dr. Edward Keane, and Dr. Jana Price-Sharps I would like to sincerely thank you for being by my side as I climbed this mountain to the summit. Dr. Beyer, I am enormously grateful for your guidance, encouragement, support, and a shoulder to cry on when my world was falling apart. You helped me to continue that climb up. Dr. Keane, thank you for helping me through the methodology section, your patience, guidance, and feedback was valuable to my success. I would also like to thank Dr. Price-Sharps and members of the IRB for their review and approval. Finally, I would always be grateful to Dr. London, whose multiple proofing of my work initially paved the way for the final product.