Thesis
"Real" women vs. written women: audience perception and female representation in Vanderpump Rules and Party Down
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
May 2026
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00011441
Abstract
This study examines how women are portrayed in reality television and scripted television through a comparison of Vanderpump Rules and Party Down. The research explores why audiences may view women in reality television as more authentic because the participants are real people, even though reality programs are heavily shaped by editing, producer involvement, and story construction. In contrast, scripted television is often viewed as less realistic because it is fictional, despite the fact that scripted narratives can sometimes offer more complex and relatable portrayals of women's experiences. The study focuses on women working within restaurant and hospitality settings, examining how female vulnerability, emotional labor, romantic relationships, and friendships are presented across both genres. Special attention is given to the ways reality television highlights emotional conflict, relationship struggles, and personal hardships to attract and maintain audience interest. Events from Vanderpump Rules, including highly publicized relationship scandals, emotionally charged interactions, and moments of personal exposure, are compared with the more character-focused and emotionally balanced portrayals of women in Party Down. Using a comparative case study approach, this research combines qualitative textual analysis with audience survey data to explore how viewers interpret authenticity, realism, and female representation in both reality and scripted television. The study also examines whether media literacy affects audience awareness of production techniques, dramatization, and gender stereotypes. Ultimately, the findings aim to contribute to discussions within television and media management about ethical representation, audience perceptions, authenticity, and the broader social impact of how women are portrayed in contemporary entertainment media.
Metrics
1 Record Views
Details
- Title
- "Real" women vs. written women
- Creators
- Jamilyn Brady
- Contributors
- Joseph R. Marsini (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University
- Number of pages
- vi, 52 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Television (and Media) Management; Cinema and Television; Drexel University; Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design
- Other Identifier
- 991022189165304721