From stereotypes to the gender gap and life after age 70 in Grace and Frankie series

Abstract

Introduction: This paper presents the partial results of interdisciplinary research following an innovation project funded by the University of Salamanca. Gender studies within the framework of intersectionality emerge as an analytical tool through which to understand the complexity of the world, the diversity of people, and experiences. Social inequalities, in this case, related to gender, sexuality, age, or life skills, after youth are the driving forces behind the research. The media is all-powerful as a reflection screen of social and cultural models, of male and female patterns. Methodology: The chosen methodology was based on the application of the Bechdel test, to differentiate the presence and the dialogical issue between the two female protagonists, and on the Rydel Inclusion, to evaluate the gender representation on the artistic-technical teams. The purpose is the identification of gender stereotypes and their disruption on the series Grace and Frankie, where protagonists are over 70 years old and keep on overcome the psychological barrier of the 70 years showing continuously vital expectations, on an active and intense way Results: There is a paradigm change of the traditional stereotypes presentation so that senior protagonists continue to have important vital principles, accepting weaknesses as a result of age, or as something natural and existential. Conclusions: The outcome shows surprising data on the Rydel test.