E-Book Overview
Psychologists turn their attention to?The Simpsons," one of America's most popular and beloved shows, in these essays that explore the function and dysfunctions of the show's characters. Designed to appeal to both fans of the show and students of psychology, this unique blend of science and pop culture consists of essays by professional psychologists drawn from schools and clinical practices across the country. Each essay is designed to be accessible, thoughtful and entertaining, while providing the reader with insights into both?The Simpsons" and the latest in psychological thought. Ev.;Other Titles in the Smart Pop Series; Title Page; The Family Simpson -- Like Looking in a Mirror?; General Family Demographics; Family Hierarchy; Family Roles; Family Rules; Communication and Emotional Patterns; Parenting; Conflict Resolution; Social Interaction; A Healthy Family?; The Simpson Family as the Cultural Ideal; For Better, or Worse? -- The Love of Homer and Marge; Interdependence Theory; Homer and Marge: Satisfied?; Homer and Marge: Dependent?; Homer and Marge: Invested?; Homer and Marge: For Better, or Worse?; References; Reference for scale.
E-Book Content
Other Titles in the Smart Pop Series Taking the Red Pill Science, Philosophy and Religion in The Matrix Seven Seasons of Buffy Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Discuss Their Favorite Television Show Five Seasons of Angel Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Discuss Their Favorite Vampire What Would Sipowicz Do? Race, Rights and Redemption in NYPD Blue Stepping through the Stargate Science, Archaeology and the Military in Stargate SG-1 The Anthology at the End of the Universe Leading Science Fiction Authors on Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Finding Serenity Anti-heroes, Lost Shepherds and Space Hookers in Joss Whedon’s Firefly The War of the Worlds Fresh Perspectives on the H. G. Wells Classic Alias Assumed Sex, Lies and SD-6 Navigating the Golden Compass Religion, Science and Dæmonology in Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials Farscape Forever! Sex, Drugs and Killer Muppets Flirting with Pride and Prejudice Fresh Perspectives on the Original Chick-Lit Masterpiece Revisiting Narnia Fantasy, Myth and Religion in C. S. Lewis’ Chronicles King Kong Is Back! An Unauthorized Look at One Humongous Ape Mapping the World of Harry Potter Science Fiction and Fantasy Authors on the Bestselling Fantasy Series of All Time
The Psychology of The Simpsons
D’oh! Edited By Alan Brown, Ph.D. With Chris Logan
BENBELLA BOOKS , I N C . Dallas, Texas
BenBella Books, Inc. Dallas, Texas This publication has not been prepared, approved or licensed by any entity that created or produced the well-known television program The Simpsons. “The Family Simpson: Like Looking in a Mirror?” © 2005 by Misty K. Hook, Ph.D. “For Better, or Worse? The Love of Homer and Marge” © 2005 by Wind Goodfriend, Ph.D. “‘Which One of Us Is Truly Crazy?’ Pop Psychology and the Discourse of Sanity and Normativity in The Simpsons” © 2005 by Molly Snodgrass, M.A., and Irene Vlachos-Weber “Stupid Brain! Homer’s Working Memory Odyssey” © 2005 by Nelson Cowan, Michael J. Kane, Andrew R. A. Conway and Alexander J. Ispa-Cowan “Homer’s Soul” © 2005 by Paul Bloom and David Pizarro “Alcohol—The Cause of, and Solution to, All Life’s Problems” © 2005 by Denis M. McCarthy “The Cafeteria Deep Fryer Is Not a Toy” © 2005 by Mike Byrne “Righteousness and Relationships: Feminine Fury in The Simpsons or How Marge and Lisa Taught Me to Embrace My Anger” © 2005 by Sally D. Stabb, Ph.D. “Self-Esteem in Springfield: Self and Identity in the Land of D’oh” © 2005 by Robert M. Arkin and Philip J. Mazzocco
“Can Bart or Homer Learn?” © 2005 by W. Robert Batsell, Jr. “Sex and Gender in Springfield: Male, Female and D’oh” © 2005 by Linda Heath, Ph.D., and Kathryn Brown “Hope Springs Parental: The Simpsons an