A content analysis of images of women in Thai films

This study examined the portrayal of women in Thai films with the objective of identifying the images of women in film, comparing women in film and in reality, and identifying factors that influence such portrayal. A content analysis was performed of 22 leading female characters presented in 22 Thai films produced in 1987. The investigation included information about female demographic characteristics, employment, occupations, roles, personality traits, and relationships between men and women. Background information about Thailand and Thai women are included in the study. Findings of the study show that women in Thai films were frequently portrayed as young, single, middle-class, employed, and independent. However, women were often represented as inferior to men. In addition, Thai films appeared to portray positive images of women within moderately accurate ranges. However, the portrayal of negative images of women was ignored. Possible factors that may account for the portrayal of women in Thai films are discussed.