A1 Journal article (refereed)
Viewing Sexual Violence : Audience Responses to Game of Thrones (2024)

Korhonen, V., Koistinen, A.-K., Korpua, J., & Välisalo, T. (2024). Viewing Sexual Violence : Audience Responses to Game of Thrones. Participations: Journal of Audience and Reception Studies, 20(2), 71-96. https://www.participations.org/20-02-05-korhoren.pdf

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Korhonen, Venla; Koistinen, Aino-Kaisa; Korpua, Jyrki; Välisalo, Tanja

Journal or series: Participations: Journal of Audience and Reception Studies

eISSN: 1749-8716

Publication year: 2024

Volume: 20

Issue number: 2

Pages range: 71-96

Publisher: University of Wales press

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

Persistent website address: https://www.participations.org/20-02-05-korhoren.pdf

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/98439

Abstract

In this article, we examine audience responses to representations of sexual violence in the fantasy television series Game of Thrones (GoT, 2011–2019) by analysing online survey data gathered by the international Game of Thrones Research Project (2016‒2017). GoT has been subject to heated debate over its violent content, particularly the representations of rape. Many scholars have analysed the series’ representations of violence, but relatively few studies focus on the show’s audiences, let alone on the reception of sexual violence. This article seeks to fill this gap in earlier research by analysing the complex ways that viewers experience sexual violence in GoT. Our study sheds light on the ways in which audiences negotiate their (gendered) viewing experiences in the context of their personal histories and in relation to the functions and conventions of media representations, narratives, and cultural discourses.

Keywords: reception (comprehension); gender; audience; sexual abuse; fantasy (styles); fantasy series; series (radio or television programmes); television series

Free keywords: Game of Thrones; sexual violence; fantasy television; reception; representation; gender; audience

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2024

Preliminary JUFO rating: 1