Modern Family's Woman in Charge

In televisions portrayal of the media, there is a frequent trend that Ellen Wartella discusses in her book Children's Impressions of Television Families. This trend is of the father figure playing the more active role in the family, taking charge, while the mother sits idly by doing house chores and raising the kids in a more passive manner. This idea is challenged however and a new version is presented in Modern Family. With Clare, the in charge women who runs the household, she challenges the stereotype of the quiet house mom who does what she is told with no control over the family. It was surprising to me that the male is put in charge more than there is an equal balance between the two as heads of the house. However, it appears that in more and more shows, a balance is beginning to be found between the mother and father over decisions about the house, their children, and more. In the following link, Clare decides to run for office and Phil is there to support her:

http://abc.go.com/shows/modern-family/video-detail/memory-book-moments/pl_PL55162005

Clare is in charge and strong. She's changing the passive housewife stereotype presented by television in the past and making a stand in her community.

What This Blog Is All About.

This blog will focus on the role of families in the media and how they are portrayed. Looking at this is important because TV shows are constantly providing an image of a family that children are absorbing and recognizing as what a “normal” family should be like.

This blog will focus on articles that describe televisions portrayal of families in sitcoms such as the Cosby Show, Leave it to Beaver, Modern Family, and more to see what people are seeing on a daily basis. The roles of families have been made very differently over the years, and the “normal” family is constantly being redefined by sitcoms in numerous ways.

Some classic TV Sitcom Families 

Top Left: Full House

Top Right: Home Improvement

Bottom Left: The Brady Bunch

Bottom Right: Fresh Prince of Bel-Air