Navigating Polarization of Women in Entertainment: Understanding and Validation Study

Publication Date

Spring 4-22-2026

Presentation Length

15 minutes

College

Jack C. Massey College of Business

Department

Honors Program

Student Level

Undergraduate

Faculty Mentor

David Harkins

Presentation Type

Talk/Oral

Summary

The objective of this study is to identify patterns of female gender discrimination in the workplace, specifically in jobs that are in the entertainment industry. Our goal is to uncover these patterns, identify the root of discrimination in the workplace, and develop ways of combatting this discrimination. Our goal is to clarify identity, occupation, experience in the industry, gender gap in the workplace, women’s rights, and family planning. The objective is to get organized, quality, and clear data from women over eighteen who have varying experiences in the entertainment industry.

Research suggests that women across the entertainment industry sectors are misrepresented, regardless of when they entered the workforce. This divide, overall, prioritizes men for leadership roles, perpetuating the misconception that leadership is incompatible with femininity (Turner, 2022). Additionally, gendered standards have consistently restricted women’s opportunities and shaped perceptions of their authority across the entertainment industry. The industry has profited heavily from the idea that creative authority is inherently masculine (Bhattacharjee, 2025). For example, out of those studying music in college, over 50% are women, but mostly male professionals write and produce songs performed by an even gender split of artists (Hodgson et. al, 2020).

Across these sectors, two clear patterns emerge: a systemic push toward women in minor roles and institutional structures that favor masculine control, resulting in feedback loops in which men are overrepresented in positions of power and women face structural barriers even when qualified (Kräft, Kaimann, & Frick, 2023). This disproportionately excludes women from entertainment-based careers, even when they study the related fields in college. Our research aims to show whether women currently studying entertainment fields as college undergraduates are aware of gender discrimination in the workplace, and how well prepared they feel for their desired career based on their education.

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS