Moroccan Youth and Sexuality: An Empirical Assessment of Visual Media Contribution

Abstract

Despite the advent of myriads of channels of visual communication, such as social networking sites, the medium of television has managed not only to survive but has rather transcended both time and space to be more readily accessible, be it synchronously or asynchronously and to reach larger audiences in remote and rather disadvantaged areas. However, many critics of televised mediated communication claim that TV offers stereotypical representations of family models gender relations and, at times, inflames racial and ethnic attitudes (Essani, 2007; Makboul, 2007; Marzouk, 2007; & Shalabih, 2007). Many programs aired on Arab satellite television, such as soap operas, sit-coms, and serials, are accused of disseminating illicit practices and allegedly ‘deviant’ sexual orientations. The purpose of this paper, then, is to examine the extent to which heavy viewing of imported television programs lead Moroccan university students to endorse permissive attitudes regarding premarital sex and same-sex sexual practices. One hypothesis was put forth to test these relationships, and a survey was used to collect data from the participants in the study. Results of the statistical analysis moderately corroborate the proposed postulate, and thus the findings generally do lend support to the cultivation theory. The paper closes by outlining key recommendations and suggesting directions for future research.