Media Representations of Gender I AQA A-Level Sociology

This key topic video provides A Level Sociology students with an essential summary of sociological ideas about the representation of gender in the media. Key studies are summarised and evaluated.

1. Evolution of Media Representations: Over the last 30 years, media representations of gender have evolved, with greater diversity in both portrayals and the construction of gender identity.
2. Historical Disadvantages for Women: Historically, women have been disadvantaged in media representations, facing symbolic annihilation and sexualization. The media often propagated traditional gender stereotypes and a cult of femininity.
3. Impact on Women's Self-Esteem: Media, according to researchers like Wolf and Kilborn, has created a beauty myth, setting standards that women are expected to conform to for societal acceptance, impacting women's self-esteem.
4. Changing Trends for Women: Despite historical challenges, there is a positive shift with more diverse representations of women in media, embracing forms of feminism like girl power. Women are breaking into fields traditionally dominated by males, yet power imbalances persist.
5. Challenges in Male Representations and Gender Non-Conformity: Males are often expected to conform to hegemonic masculinity, but there is an increasing negative portrayal of men in the media. Gender non-conformity is gaining visibility, but research indicates negative representations and challenges, especially for trans individuals, in various media outlets.