MEDIA CRITIQUE:HUNGER GAMES AND ADOLESCENTSElise Thrift

Rebecca Bellanti

Adolescence• Adolescence is a time for unique self discovery and

identity formation.• Adolescents use this time to make judgments and

regulate their behaviors (Dunn & Craig, 2013, p. 304)

Image retrieved from: http://mockingjay.net/2012/05/29/katniss-everdeen-nominated-for-best-hero-at-the-2012-mtv-movie-awards/katniss-everdeen-the-hunger-games-fan-club-30601998-530-725/

Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory

• Emphasis on becoming a distinct individual. • Personal accomplishments are more important than

collective group accomplishments.• Answers the question, “Who Am I? (Dunn & Craig, 2013,

p. 305).

Erikson’s Psychosocial TheoryAges 12-18 years of Age

• Ego Identity Vs. Ego Diffusion• Sorting out the various roles one is in.

• Ex. Student, Sibling, Child, etc.

• Forming an Ego Identity• A basic sense of who we are as an individual

• Ex. Self-concept/Self Image

• Ego Diffusion• A major conflict between two roles with opposing value systems

Erikson’s Psychosocial StagesAges 18 years and older

• Intimacy Vs. Isolation• The ability to share oneself with another person without fear of

losing one’s identity

Image Retrieved From: http://thehungergames.wikia.com/wiki/File:Katniss_%26_Peeta_in_the_arena_promo.jpg

Social Reference Group• “Adolescents are surrounded by a bewildering variety of

roles offered by a multitude of social reference groups with which they may identify, and in so doing help to define themselves” (Dunn & Craig, 2013, p. 305 ). i.e. parents, friends, social groups

• Each role that is experienced feeds the development of identity (Dunn & Craig, 2013, p. 305 ).

James Marcia’s Identity Statuses

• Foreclosure-accepting an identity without working through an identity crisis

• Diffusion-inability to focus on identity formation, lacks direction

• Moratorium-actively working through an identity crisis• Identity Achievement-acceptance of identity based on

individual choices

(Dunn & Craig, 2013, p. 305)

Role as FriendKatniss and her hunting partner, Gale Hawthorne, share similar struggles and experiences. They talk about defying the government and do so by hunting in the forest outside of the approved boundary.

Image retreived from http://www.teamgale.org/portfolio/katniss-gale-woods

Iimage retrieved from http://www.teampeeta.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Trailer1-90.jpg

In spite of facing the games where only one person survives, Katniss and Peeta begin a friendship. In the end, Katniss refuses to kill Peeta and the two plan to commit suicide instead of playing the game the way the government intended.

Role as Parent • Caretaker for younger sister Primrose• Volunteers for the reaping in her sister’s place• During the games Katniss befriends Rue, a younger

tribute, who is similar in age and stature to her sister. She acts as a parent to Rue and protects her during the games.

• Katniss accepts the role of provider and hunts to supplement the families food supply. Her father who is now deceased used to hunt with Katniss.

The Process of Identity Formation

• Katniss initially struggles with identity formation in a number of ways. She is sharing the role of friend, and parent, all while trying to achieve autonomy. With this in mind, she fits into Erikson’s role of identity vs. role confusion. Katniss must find her identity so she does not diffuse her ego. Additionally, according to James Marcia, Katniss is in moratorium towards the beginning of the movie. She is actively seeking who she is and working through her shared roles.

Identity Achievement

• Provider: hunted to feed family because rations allowed by government are insufficient

• Caretaker: for younger sister Primrose

• Volunteer: for the reaping in her sister’s place

• Friend: maintains friendship during games

Image retrieved from http://blogs.babble.com/strollerderby/files/2012/03/hunger-games-katniss-everdeen-barbie.jpg

Insights• Katniss is 16 and is moving toward emerging adulthood. • She has begun to accept and indentify with her various

roles. • At the end of the movie, Katniss is able to effectively

establish her individuality. She chooses not to conform to the Capitols role of her as a tribute, but instead chooses her own path. She is independent of her society's standards and recognizes herself not only as a winner of the Hunger Games, but a rebel against the Capitol. She maintains a stable relationship with Peeta in her friend role and continues to be parent to her sister Primrose.

References

• Dunn, W. L., & Craig, G. J. (2013). Understanding Human Development (3rd ed.). Upper Sadle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.

• clevverTV. (2011, November 16). The Hunger Games 2012 Official Trailer! Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMGRhAEn6K0