Learning Politics through Entertainment: Exploring the Effects of Biographical Films on Political Learning and Attitude Toward Female Politicians. Issue 2 (15th March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rasul, Azmat; Raney, Arthur A
• Is Part Of: Journal of broadcasting & electronic media. Volume 65:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 248
• Page End: 269
• Publication Date: 2021-03-15
• Subjects: Broadcasting -- Periodicals; Telecommunication -- Periodicals; 384.54
• DOI: 10.1080/08838151.2021.1928671
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0883-8151

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study examined the effects of semi-fictional biographical political films on political learning and attitude change in audiences of fictionalized accounts of female politicians. Data from 310 participants indicated that content-related political learning significantly increased and attitude toward female politicians positively changed after exposure. A conceptual model of the political entertainment effects indicated that initial political learning transported the audience into the biographical narrative, which led to greater enjoyment, as well as learning gain and a positive attitude toward female politicians. Our findings provide important clarification to existing research and offer both theoretical, methodological, and practical implications.