Media Representations of Disability | Media | AQA A-Level Sociology

This key topic video provides AQA A level sociology students with an essential summary of sociological ideas about representations of disability in the media. This includes studies, key concepts and evaluation.

The video discusses how individuals with disabilities are often underrepresented or misrepresented in mainstream media. People with disabilities face symbolic annihilation, being reduced to stereotypes that focus on their impairment rather than seeing them as whole people. Common problematic tropes include portraying disabled people as a burden, bitter or angry, vulnerable, evil villains, or having superabilities. Research by Barnes and others critiques these one-dimensional portrayals. Media representations frequently view disability through a deficit model, as a limitation or tragedy eliciting pity. Content analysis reveals increases in associating disability with welfare dependence in news media. Theories suggest media representations reinforce social barriers for disabled people. However, social media growth has diversified representations, with disabled individuals sharing empowering perspectives through digital platforms. While mainstream media evolves gradually, niche social media facilitates more positive, complex disability representation. Overall, the video examines how media historically stereotyped disability but new media forms are improving representation.