The Truth Behind Real Estate's Longest Legs: An Analysis on Gender Stereotypes in Selling Sunset

Abstract

Selling Sunset is a Netflix reality television program that showcases The Oppenheim Group, a brokerage of beautiful female real estate agents who sell million-dollar homes in Los Angeles, their two male bosses also form part of the show. This show has an intensity of drama and interpersonal relationships which interfere on what is shown onscreen. Dating back to the 1950s, Simone de Beauvoir wrote her book, The Second Sex. In this piece, the author discusses the treatment of women throughout history, which then specifies on the facts and myths about men and women. Within these myths there are certain stereotypes that are portrayed by both men and women. Some of these said stereotypes can be identified in the show Selling Sunset. This study explores these stereotypes defined by Beauvoir, seen throughout the whole show, which are condensed in a sample of three scenes. This exploration is done by observing the gender performativity of The Oppenheim Group members and how they are framed within this context. The stereotypes being observed within these scenes are men seen as hard working, egotistical and more aggressive, while women are seen as more emotional, Others, gossipers and fake. Another important take is the male gaze, which helps understand the lens that is put on this show. The contrast between the gender representation onscreen is apparent in these scenes, despite in some instances the women have agency over their own actions and how they are framed, Selling Sunset still shows these stereotypes largely, therefore confirming that the defined stereotypes by Beauvoir are resilient to this day in this show.