Ohtsuka, Keis and Chan, Chi Chuen (2009) Desperate housewives: An analysis of the characterisations of female gamblers portrayed in gambling movies in Hong Kong. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 7 (1). pp. 229-238. ISSN 1557-1874 (Print) 1557-1882 (Online)

Abstract

This article examines portrayals of female gamblers in recent Hong Kong movies. The authors report that the depiction of female gamblers is very different from that of male gamblers in the movies made in the same period. Whereas the male gamblers are pitching a lonely and desperate battle against the evil opponent, the female gamblers portrayed in the movies are housewives or small-time players who gamble only for their personal gain. A general negative overtone in portrayals of female gamblers was interpreted as a reflection of the traditional view that discourages women from gambling. The shift of gambling themes in the Hong Kong movies has been identified to reflect the most salient concerns among Hong Kong residents. Such changes are attributed to particular social and cultural changes in the community.

Search Google Scholar

Repository staff login