Seminar paper from the year 2015 in the subject American Studies - Miscellaneous, grade: 2,0, language: English, abstract: The aim of this research paper is to describe and critically discuss the different identities of the characters portrayed in Tom Kapinos's "Californication" in terms of their gender roles and moral values concerning sexuality, family life and domestic life. As anti-porn feminists oppose pornography for its representation of the female body as an object of male sexual desire, and since "Californication" incorporates elements of pornography, it will also be necessary to investigate the use of the female body as a sex object in the show. In opposition to the gender roles of the women portrayed in the show, the roles of masculinity, male power, sexual violence and machismo will be discussed. The main thesis of the paper is that Tom Kapinos's "Californication" displays a picture of prosperous Californians as sexually perverted, unrestrained and hedonistic while, on the other hand, promoting traditional values in terms of family and domestic life. The concluding part will discuss how these contrasts affect the quality of the show as well as the views of the audience and the marketing of the show.