Short answer
Be mindful of how character design, particularly visual elements and role assignments, can reinforce or subvert societal gender expectations.
- Field
- Classic Design
- Source
- Open MIND (2019)
- Method
- Qualitative content analysis
- Sample
- 12 female characters ('champions')
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Popular culture, exemplified by the video game League of Legends, often perpetuates traditional and sexualized portrayals of femininity, even when characters occupy traditionally masculine roles. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2019 study published in Open MIND. Using Qualitative content analysis with 12 female characters ('champions'), researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Be mindful of how character design, particularly visual elements and role assignments, can reinforce or subvert societal gender expectations.
Sexualized Femininity in League of Legends Reinforces Traditional Gender Tropes
Popular culture, exemplified by the video game League of Legends, often perpetuates traditional and sexualized portrayals of femininity, even when characters occupy traditionally masculine roles.
Open MIND · 2019
Key Findings
- 01Women in League of Legends were more likely to be depicted in scantily-clad clothing and sexualized manners.
- 02Women were also more likely to be placed in typically male-coded roles, such as leaders and protectors.
- 03The sexualized portrayal of female characters occurred even when they occupied traditionally masculine roles.
Application
Design takeaway
Be mindful of how character design, particularly visual elements and role assignments, can reinforce or subvert societal gender expectations.
How to apply
When designing characters or user interfaces, consider the potential for visual elements and assigned roles to communicate gendered messages. Conduct user testing to gauge perceptions of representation.
Project actions
- 01When analyzing media, look for patterns in how different groups are visually represented.
- 02Consider the theoretical frameworks that explain why these representations might be influential.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Applies established theories of socialization to media analysis.
- +Provides a specific case study within a popular cultural phenomenon.
Limitations
The subjective nature of interpreting 'sexualization' and the focus on a single media example are potential limitations.
Reliability & validity
Reliability could be improved through multiple coders for the content analysis. Validity is supported by the use of established theories but is limited by the subjective nature of interpreting 'sexualization'.
Think critically
To what extent does the sexualization of female characters in games like League of Legends reflect or actively shape societal expectations of femininity, and what responsibility do designers have in this process?
Design Principles
"Strive for authentic and diverse representation in character design, ensuring that visual aesthetics and functional roles do not rely on or reinforce limiting gender stereotypes."
Understanding how gender is represented in popular media is crucial for designers as it shapes user perceptions and societal norms. Designers must be aware of the potential for their work to reinforce or challenge existing stereotypes, influencing the emotional and social impact of their creations.
What This Means for Your Design
Even when female characters in games do 'strong' jobs, they are often shown in revealing clothes, which can make people think that's how women should look or act, even if it doesn't make sense for their role.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use this study to support arguments about the impact of visual design on user perception and the reinforcement of societal norms in your design project.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This study's findings on League of Legends demonstrate how popular culture can perpetuate traditional gender tropes, with female characters often depicted in sexualized attire even when assigned traditionally masculine roles. This highlights the power of visual design in shaping perceptions of femininity and reinforces the need for designers to critically examine their work's potential impact on user identity and societal norms.
Source
Open MIND
Playing Gender: An Analysis of Femininity in the Popular Culture Phenomenon League of Legends
journal · 2019
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about sexualized femininity in league of legends reinforces traditional gender tropes?
- Be mindful of how character design, particularly visual elements and role assignments, can reinforce or subvert societal gender expectations. Evidence: Open MIND (2019).
- Why does "Sexualized Femininity in League of Legends Reinforces Traditional Gender Tropes" matter for design?
- Understanding how gender is represented in popular media is crucial for designers as it shapes user perceptions and societal norms. Designers must be aware of the potential for their work to reinforce or challenge existing stereotypes, influencing the emotional and social impact of their creations.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Be mindful of how character design, particularly visual elements and role assignments, can reinforce or subvert societal gender expectations.
- What were the main findings?
- Women in League of Legends were more likely to be depicted in scantily-clad clothing and sexualized manners.. Women were also more likely to be placed in typically male-coded roles, such as leaders and protectors.. The sexualized portrayal of female characters occurred even when they occupied traditionally masculine roles.
- What research method was used?
- Qualitative content analysis with 12 female characters ('champions').
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2019 journal from Open MIND.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing characters or user interfaces, consider the potential for visual elements and assigned roles to communicate gendered messages. Conduct user testing to gauge perceptions of representation.
- What are the limitations?
- The analysis focused on a specific game and may not be generalizable to all video games or media. The interpretation of 'sexualization' can be subjective.