Level of Education of Students Involved

Undergraduate

Faculty Sponsor

Danielle Lavin-Loucks

College

College of Arts & Sciences (CAS)

Discipline(s)

Sociology

ORCID Identifier(s)

0009-0009-2236-1265

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Symposium Date

Spring 4-30-2026

Abstract

Reality competition shows like Survivor provide a rich context for examining the strategic performance of gender in socially mediated environments. This study investigates how gendered strategies of play, classified as masculine, feminine, blended, or gender-neutral, affect contestant success and audience perception across four seasons of Survivor. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from quantitative metrics, qualitative coding, and audience popularity rankings. Results reveal a consistent pattern; all four Sole Survivor winners employed blended strategies, which also garnered high audience approval. Feminine strategies were associated with runner-up placements and moderate popularity, while masculine strategies often led to earlier elimination and variable fan reception. Demographic data indicates that blended strategies were effective across age, background, and gender identity, highlighting adaptability and social flexibility as key determinants of success. These findings align with theoretical frameworks of gender performativity (Butler 1999) and impression management (Goffman 1959), illustrating that gendered behaviors in social contexts are fluid, context dependent, and strategically employed. Moreover, audiences display a cultural preference for contestants who navigate social complexity with both relational and assertive competencies. Overall, the findings reflect that effective gameplay in modern Survivor relies on the ability to blend, adapt, and strategically manage gendered behaviors.

Biographical Information about Author(s)

I am a senior, criminology major with an interest in popular media culture.

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