This panel examines the evolving way the American family is depicted in the media. This includes television dramas, sitcoms, reality television shows and advertisements. Specific topics include changing family structure and definition (e.g. depiction of polygamist families and same-sex couples in television programs) as well as evolving gender roles and expectations (e.g. the domesticated dad and modern mom). Ultimately, the panel will explore the interconnected relationship between the American family and its mediated depiction. Moderator: Casey Hart, Stephen F. Austin State University Panelists: Casey Hart, Stephen F. Austin State University; Depictions of Dads in Advertisements Catherine Luther, University of Tennessee @ Knoxville; Renee Smith, University of Tennessee; Representations of Same-Sex Parenting Thomas Phillip Madison, Stephen F. Austin State University; Depictions of Polygamist Families in Television Lyn Lepre, Marist College; Depictions of the ‘Modern Mom’
