Paid work in popular culture: How adult employment is portrayed in family-genre films

This study explores how adult paid work is portrayed in ‘family’ feature length films. In the context of theoretical perspectives such as priming and observational learning theory, the study extends previous critical media literature which has focused on depictions of gender and violence, to suggest ways in which children may learn about relationships in the workplace and rights and responsibilities in employment structures. Thirty-eight films were analysed for relevant themes. Films were included in the sample if they received a G/PG rating, had widespread circulation, and portrayed at least one adult engaged in paid work in an identifiable occupation. The occupations of characters were coded according to type of job and the gender of the worker. Consistent with the exploratory nature of the research, other themes emerged inductively from the films’ content. Results reveal six major themes: males are more visible in adult work roles than women; the division of labour remains gendered; work and home are not mutually exclusive domains; authority and power is wielded in obvious ways; there is hope for employees in low skilled, repetitive jobs; and status/money is paramount. The findings of the study have implications for children’s expectations of occupational choice, communication and interactions with employers, and the rewards that paid work can provide.