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This study used a synthesis of media gratification and cultivation perspectives to investigate the influence of American television programs on endorsement of equal gender roles and liberal attitudes to life inKuwait. Analysis of the response of 364 university level students indicated four areas where programs could support the development of perceptions: presentation quality, utility, trans-cultural knowledge and information about American popular culture. Of these four areas, only the perception of utility predicted the development of a liberal outlook on life, while failing to predict approval of equal gender roles. Viewers of large amounts of American television are more likely to endorse equal gender roles and a liberal outlook on life.

This study employs the uses and gratifications perspective to examine the motives that led a sample of 466 university students in Egypt to view television news and political programs and whether those motives and the frequency of exposure to media predict political efficacy, support for democracy, and political cynicism. The outcomes revealed that motives for viewing were Support in Discussions, Watchdog on Government, Reinforcement, Opinion Formation, Information, and the Free Marketplace of Information. Although Support in Discussions predicted political efficacy and the Free Marketplace of Information negatively predicted it, levels of prediction were not powerful. Support for democracy was weakly predicted by Information, Support in Discussions, the Free Marketplace of Information, and Watchdog on Government. Political cynicism was not predicted by any media variables. The motives for media use are discussed in relation to the political psyche of Egyptians and the political conditions affecting Egypt after the revolution.

The February 11, 2011 victory of pro-democracy forces has ushered in great hopes for actual political and social changes in Egypt. The military-led long authoritarian rule has come to an end, and Egypt has stepped in a new era of transition to democracy. This paper probes the prospects of democratic transformation in Egypt in light of its unique pre and postrevolutionary social and political dynamics. It argues that Egypt's transition to democracy largely depends on the chemistry of post-revolutionary socio-political dynamics and how this dynamics keeps unfolding.