Date of Award

2003

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Communication Studies

Department

Communication Studies

First Advisor

K. McClure

Abstract

As Americans seek identification through the media, Foucault's "bio-power" extends the power of patriarchy and consumerism through gender prescriptions. A study of modern sexuality discourses can show what those prescriptions are and how the current power-knowledge regimes are maintained by them. This paper focuses on the aspects of Foucault's theories on power that deal with gender and sexuality discourses, explicating the cable show Sex and the City to discuss its role in the perpetuation of the status quo of patriarchy and consumerism through gendered identities. The paper also identifies aspects of the show that reveal a progressive pattern of resistance against some patriarchal concepts.

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