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ENGL 100 (Birch Onsite) SP25

Recommended Databases

Library Databases

Library databases give you access to credible, reliable, and peer-reviewed information. Use them to find:

  1. Quality Information: All resources are vetted by experts.
  2. Narrow Search Options: You can filter by subject, publication type, and date to find exactly what you need.
  3. Access to Full-Text Articles: Many databases offer full access to articles that aren't free on the web.

Research Process

Broad Topic: Gender Stereotypes in Popular Culture 

  • General and covers too many aspects.

  • Doesn't specify a target group or specific effects.

Focused Research Question: How do music, film, and advertising reinforce or challenge traditional gender roles among adolescents, and what impact does this have on their perceptions of gender identity and expression?

  • Specific group: adolescents

  • Location: United States

  • Specific focus: gender identity and expression

*Tip: Use the 5 W's to narrow your focus (Who, what, when, where, why)

Combining with Broader Social Issues

  • media AND social values
  • pop culture AND identity
  • representation in popular culture
  • gender roles in media
  • race AND pop culture
  • mental health AND media
  • environmental issues in pop culture

Popular vs Scholarly Sources

Key Terms

How do music, film, and advertising reinforce or challenge traditional gender roles among adolescents, and what impact does this have on their perceptions of gender identity and expression

  • media, pop culture, mass media, media influence
  • gender norms, expectations, stereotypes
  • United States, Western cultures, North America
  • gender spectrum, gender fluidity, diversity

Database Searching

Combine key terms to determine your results

  • film AND gender expression AND teenagers

Use filters to narrow down your results: Source, date, subject

Areas within Pop Culture

  • reality television
  • comic books and graphic novels
  • video games and gender
  • internet memes
  • music genres (e.g., hip-hop culture, rock culture)
  • influencer culture
  • fan culture

How to Read a Scholarly Journal