TY - JOUR
T1 - Applying Social Science Research to Film Ratings
T2 - A Shift from Offensiveness to Harmful Effects
AU - Wilson, Barbara J.
AU - Linz, Daniel
AU - Randall, Barbara
PY - 1990/9
Y1 - 1990/9
N2 - The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) provides ratings for the majority of commercially released films. The MPAA system is based largely on estimates of what types of film content may be offensive to most parents. We identify four assumptions that underlie the current rating system and show how these assumptions are inconsistent with social science research regarding the impact of media portrayals on young viewers. Finally, we offer an alternative scheme based on what is harmful to children rather than what is offensive to parents.
AB - The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) provides ratings for the majority of commercially released films. The MPAA system is based largely on estimates of what types of film content may be offensive to most parents. We identify four assumptions that underlie the current rating system and show how these assumptions are inconsistent with social science research regarding the impact of media portrayals on young viewers. Finally, we offer an alternative scheme based on what is harmful to children rather than what is offensive to parents.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84972924913&partnerID=8YFLogxK
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U2 - 10.1080/08838159009386754
DO - 10.1080/08838159009386754
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84972924913
VL - 34
SP - 443
EP - 468
JO - Journal of Broadcasting and Electronic Media
JF - Journal of Broadcasting and Electronic Media
SN - 0883-8151
IS - 4
ER -