Bending gender codes: An analysis of Hunter X Hunter genderqueer characters

Ayres, Jessica (2017) Bending gender codes: An analysis of Hunter X Hunter genderqueer characters. Masters thesis, Northern Arizona University.

Text Ayer_J_Bending_gender_codes.pdf Restricted to Repository staff only Download (857kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

Japanese animation is a major economic and cultural market in Japan and across the world. Anime studios produce upwards of 50 different animated series every year (Napier, 2005). One of the most remarkable aspects of Japanese animation is that it has a wide variety of fans, ranging from children to adults. Hunter x Hunter (2011), the main text analyzed in this study, is a Japanese animated series which follows the story of Gon and Killua, two young friends training to become Professional Hunters. The characters Bisky and Hisoka are the focus of a textual analysis informed by Goffman’s (1979) Gender Codes. Seven episodes were analyzed in order to discover the ways gender norms are both upheld and defied throughout Hunter x Hunter . The analysis demonstrates that both Bisky and Hisoka disrupt traditional gender norms throughout the series and present a genderqueer identity. In discovering the ways gender norms are both upheld and defied throughout Hunter x Hunter, the author proves that Hunter x Hunter can be useful as a tool for understanding the nuances of gender construction and performance.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Publisher’s Statement:	© Copyright is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the Cline Library, Northern Arizona University. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.
Keywords:	Anime; Gender; Goffman, Erving; pop culture;
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
NAU Depositing Author Academic Status:	Student
Department/Unit:	Graduate College > Theses and Dissertations College of Social and Behavioral Science > School of Communication > Communication Studies
Date Deposited:	10 Jan 2018 18:13
URI:	http://openknowledge.nau.edu/id/eprint/4924

Actions (login required)

IR Staff Record View

Downloads