Author: Kaylee Mulholland, Hugh Downs School of Human Communication, Arizona State University - Google Scholar, ORCID

Abstract: »Female sex offenders (FSOs) constitute a minority of the justice system and representations of sex offenders in television crime dramas. Previous research on FSOs has focused on the ways in which perpetrators are portrayed by news outlets throughout their trial. However, little research exists on fictional representations of FSOs and their implications. This study explores representational themes that surround FSOs using the concept of symbolic annihilation. A textual analysis of three episodes from television crime dramas (two episodes from Law & Order: SVU and one episode from Criminal Minds) was used to uncover patterns of representation. Thematic analysis was then used to understand the implications of the representations. This study revealed that representations of FSOs on television crime dramas interact with hegemonic femininity to delegitimize the perpetrator’s actions while also demonizing the nature of the character.« (Source: UWL Journal of Undergraduate Research)

Contents:

	Abstract (p. 1)
	Introduction (p. 1)
	Literature Review (p. 1)
		Crime Dramas (p. 1)
		Sex, Gender, and Rape (p. 2)
		Symbolic Annihilation (p. 3)
	Methods (p. 3)
		Method of Archive Selection (p. 3)
		Method of Analysis (p. 4)
	Research Questions (p. 4)
	Results (p. 4)
		The Impossible Woman (p. 4)
		The Incapable Woman (p. 5)
		Insane (p. 5)
	Discussion (p. 6)
	Limitations and Future Directions for Research (p. 6)
	Acknowledgements (p. 7)
	References (p. 7)

Wikipedia: History of the Americas: History of the United States / History of the United States (1991–2016) | Television: American television series / Criminal Minds, Criminal Minds season 4 | Television: American television series / Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit season 5, Law & Order Special Victims Unit season 16 | Sex and the law: Rape / Rape in the United States