Film Classification Systems as Indicators of Cultural Values: An Exploratory Cross-National Study

Authors

Marin Turley Bradshaw, Brigham Young University
Eliza Tanner Hawkins, Brigham Young University

Keywords

film classification systems, cultural values, film ratings

College

Fine Arts and Communications

Department

Communications

Abstract

Virtually every country has developed some kind of a film classification system. In the United States the classification system is more commonly known as a film’s “rating.” The purposes of the classification are (1) to protect vulnerable audiences, especially young children and (2) to allow film makers to show their work in public theaters for the development of art in the country. These systems have evolved over time due to trends in media effects research and, more importantly, the cultural values and social mores of the societies where the classification systems are developed. Just as no group of people has precisely the same cultural values, no nation classifies films in precisely the same way.

Recommended Citation

Bradshaw, Marin Turley and Hawkins, Eliza Tanner (2013) "Film Classification Systems as Indicators of Cultural Values: An Exploratory Cross-National Study," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 2198.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/2198