Boys perceptions of gender roles in video games

Using data from interviews with nine boys, ages 12-14, this exploratory study attempts to explain how boys perceive gender roles in video games. It specifically addresses boys' video gaming experiences, how boys identify with video game characters, and how they relate video games to their real lives. Interview results suggest that respondents have a heightened amount of exposure to video games, that they identify with main characters in video games, and that they are able to apply skills learned in video games to their real life situations. Respondents also described several differences in the roles and characteristics that male and female characters possess.