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Verkningslöst motstånd

Sandahl Holgersson, Sandra LU (2026) GNVK22 20261
Gender Studies
Abstract
This study examines how Love Island Sweden Season five functions as a norm-producing arena for gender through a thematic analysis with a deductive approach of four episodes. The aim is to explore how the program both reproduces and challenges contemporary gender norms, and how participants' actions are shaped within these structures. The findings show that the program does not primarily enforce gender norms through explicit rules, but rather through the construction of situations in which normative behavior appears natural, rational, and necessary. The show’s format, including games, ceremonies and audience voting mechanisms, reinforces a heteronormative framework in which coupling becomes a condition for social survival.



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This study examines how Love Island Sweden Season five functions as a norm-producing arena for gender through a thematic analysis with a deductive approach of four episodes. The aim is to explore how the program both reproduces and challenges contemporary gender norms, and how participants' actions are shaped within these structures. The findings show that the program does not primarily enforce gender norms through explicit rules, but rather through the construction of situations in which normative behavior appears natural, rational, and necessary. The show’s format, including games, ceremonies and audience voting mechanisms, reinforces a heteronormative framework in which coupling becomes a condition for social survival.



The analysis is grounded in Judith Butler’s theory of gender performativity, Raewyn Connell’s concept of hegemonic masculinities and femininities, together with Stuart Hall’s theory of representation, and Michel Foucault’s concept of panoticism. The results indicate that gender is produced through a combination of structural, institutional, and affective mechanisms rather than individual choices alone. Furthermore, the study highlights the role of “superfans” as an institutionalized form of audience power that contributes to normative regulation within the show.



Overall the study argues that reality television should be understood as an active site in the production of gender norms rather than a neutral reflection of society. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Sandahl Holgersson, Sandra LU
supervisor
organization
alternative title
En tematisk analys av genusnormer i Love Island Sverige säsong fem
course
GNVK22 20261
year
type
M2 - Bachelor Degree
subject
keywords
Nyckelord: Genusnormer, normskapande, performativitet, heteronormativitet, publikmakt Keywords: Gender norms, norm production, performativity, heteronormativity, audience power
language
Swedish
id
9242711
date added to LUP
2026-06-23 08:35:38
date last changed
2026-06-23 08:35:38
@misc{9242711,
  abstract     = {{This study examines how Love Island Sweden Season five functions as a norm-producing arena for gender through a thematic analysis with a deductive approach of four episodes. The aim is to explore how the program both reproduces and challenges contemporary gender norms, and how participants' actions are shaped within these structures. The findings show that the program does not primarily enforce gender norms through explicit rules, but rather through the construction of situations in which normative behavior appears natural, rational, and necessary. The show’s format, including games, ceremonies and audience voting mechanisms, reinforces a heteronormative framework in which coupling becomes a condition for social survival. 

 

The analysis is grounded in Judith Butler’s theory of gender performativity, Raewyn Connell’s concept of hegemonic masculinities and femininities, together with Stuart Hall’s theory of representation, and Michel Foucault’s concept of panoticism. The results indicate that gender is produced through a combination of structural, institutional, and affective mechanisms rather than individual choices alone. Furthermore, the study highlights the role of “superfans” as an institutionalized form of audience power that contributes to normative regulation within the show. 

 

Overall the study argues that reality television should be understood as an active site in the production of gender norms rather than a neutral reflection of society.}},
  author       = {{Sandahl Holgersson, Sandra}},
  language     = {{swe}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Verkningslöst motstånd}},
  year         = {{2026}},
}