Media Representations of Gender I AQA A-Level Sociology

Summary

This video explores the changing media representations of gender over the past few decades, focusing on how women, men, and gender non-conforming individuals are portrayed. Historically, women have been objectified and sidelined, often reduced to beauty ideals and roles in family dynamics. Though there have been improvements in female representation, such as increased female participation in politics and sports, male portrayals are also evolving, with men facing issues like body image and self-esteem. The video also addresses the portrayal of gender non-conforming individuals, emphasizing the negative media representations they often face. It concludes by noting how new media has both progressed in promoting gender inclusivity and faced challenges like cyberbullying and trolling.

Takeaways

• 😀 The representation of gender in media has evolved over the past 30 years, with both improvements and ongoing challenges for women, men, and non-binary individuals.
• 😀 Historical portrayals of women in the media were often negative, reducing them to symbols of beauty, family roles, or sexual appeal, while male-controlled media tended to ignore their achievements.
• 😀 Scholars like Tush Manet and Mulvey argue that women have been marginalized in media, with their accomplishments often ignored in favor of male perspectives.
• 😀 The 'male gaze' theory, introduced by Laura Mulvey, explains how women are objectified in media for male pleasure, rather than being recognized for their intellect or achievements.
• 😀 The media has historically promoted a narrow, standardized beauty ideal for women, leading to issues with self-esteem, as evidenced by the work of scholars like Kilborn and Wolf.
• 😀 Research by Ferguson and McRobbie highlights how the media constructs traditional notions of femininity, focusing on relationships, family, and conforming to gender stereotypes.
• 😀 Recent years have seen some progress in the representation of women in media, with more diverse portrayals and increased visibility of women in roles such as politicians and sports figures.
• 😀 Male portrayals in media often reflect hegemonic masculinity, characterized by toughness, emotional restraint, and decisiveness, but there is a rise in negative representations of men as well.
• 😀 The sexualization of men in media, similar to women, has become more common, particularly in advertising targeted at female audiences, leading to the emergence of a 'beauty myth' for men.
• 😀 Gender non-conformity has gained more visibility in the media, but the portrayals of trans and non-binary individuals are often negative, as seen in the work of Billard and Gad, who found frequent victimization and criminalization of these characters in media.

Q & A

How have media representations of gender changed over the past 30 years?

Over the past 30 years, there has been a noticeable shift towards more diverse media representations of gender. This includes a broader portrayal of women in roles traditionally reserved for men, such as in sports and politics, as well as increased visibility for gender non-conforming individuals. However, many traditional stereotypes still persist, especially concerning beauty standards and gender roles.

What is 'symbolic annihilation' in media representation?

Symbolic annihilation refers to the concept that certain groups, such as women or minority groups, are systematically underrepresented or misrepresented in the media. This term, coined by Tuchman, highlights how these groups are often marginalized or omitted entirely, which can lead to their voices being ignored in mainstream narratives.

What does Laura Mulvey’s concept of the 'male gaze' mean in media?

The 'male gaze,' a concept introduced by Laura Mulvey, refers to the way media often portrays women through the perspective of a heterosexual male viewer. This typically involves objectifying women, presenting them as sexual objects to be admired for their physical appearance rather than their intellect or abilities.

How has the media contributed to women's self-esteem issues?

The media has contributed to women's self-esteem issues by promoting unrealistic beauty standards, often portraying an idealized image of women as tall, slim, and conventionally attractive. Scholars like Naomi Wolf argue that these beauty ideals are constructed by the media and lead women to believe that they must conform to these standards to be considered attractive or valuable in society.

What role has social media played in changing gender representations?

Social media has played a significant role in promoting gender inclusivity and providing platforms for diverse gender expressions. It has helped raise awareness about issues such as men's mental health and female empowerment, while also allowing gender non-conforming individuals to find a voice. However, it has also led to challenges like trolling, cyberbullying, and cancel culture, which can undermine these efforts.

What is hegemonic masculinity, and how is it portrayed in the media?

Hegemonic masculinity refers to the dominant cultural ideal of masculinity, which is often characterized by toughness, unemotionality, and decisiveness. In the media, this is commonly represented through action hero figures or male characters who are physically strong, assertive, and in control. These portrayals reinforce traditional ideas of what it means to be a man.

How are men increasingly sexualized in the media?

Men are increasingly sexualized in the media, similar to how women have been objectified for decades. This is especially evident in advertising targeting women, such as in the diet and fitness industries. These portrayals create unrealistic beauty standards for men, focusing on their physical appearance and encouraging them to conform to a 'beauty myth' similar to the one imposed on women.

What is the 'beauty myth' for men, and how does it affect them?

The 'beauty myth' for men refers to the societal pressure for men to meet certain physical standards, such as having a muscular build, clear skin, and a well-groomed appearance. This myth, similar to the one for women, can lead to issues with male self-esteem and body image, as men may feel compelled to conform to these standards to be considered attractive or acceptable.

What are the challenges in the representation of gender non-conforming individuals in the media?

Despite greater visibility, gender non-conforming individuals, including trans and non-binary people, often face negative portrayals in the media. Studies have shown that trans characters are frequently depicted as victims, sex workers, or antagonists, and the portrayal of their experiences often includes harmful stereotypes and anti-trans language.

Why are female politicians often scrutinized differently than male politicians in the media?

Female politicians are often subjected to more intense scrutiny over their appearance, rather than their political ideas or actions. This reflects a broader gender bias in media representations, where women in positions of power are frequently evaluated based on their looks, while male politicians are typically judged by their policies and leadership qualities.