This study used content analysis to explore the depiction of women in soap operas aired during the fall of 2000. The marital status, employment, and age of female characters were compared to male characters, as well as to the general population. The portrayal of single motherhood was also examined for work-life conflict, family support, and socioeconomic status. Findings supported the hypotheses that women in soap operas would be young, single, upper-class professionals. Very few characters were single mothers, and those characters who were experienced little work-life conflict. Although the depiction of women did not differ significantly from that of men, it did vary from the general population. This skewed portrayal could lead women to feel misrepresented or to become dissatisfied with their lives.

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