"The mass media perpetuates gender stereotypes and, in doing so, distorts our understanding of ourselves as individuals." - Discuss this statement.
Media representation of gender stereotypes in today 's society has became under increasing pressure to change. The term 'mass media ' is generally used in relation to television, books, newspapers, advertisements, magazines and films. Mass media tends to reflect the ideological message of what 's deemed as the natural roles of men and women - the classic gender stereotypes. Consequently this can have negative effects on an individual 's confidence and mentality, in particular to young men and women who see those portrayed in the media as their role models. Young adults often feel under intense …show more content…
Chandler illustrates the over representation of male figures in television through various examples such as how men outnumber women in T.V. by approximately 4 to 1 and in regards to children 's cartoons men outnumber female character 10 to 1. The emphasis of male characters isn 't the only difference in television as the roles each gender play are more often than not very stereotypical roles - women are portrayed as housewives, mothers and nurses where as men are shown as celebrities, business men, fathers and rather athletic. Men also are seen to have higher status jobs and where women are portrayed as having successful careers out with the home they are regularly shown as having miserable personal lives (Chandler n.d). This is a further example of how T.V portrays a false description of modern life as more and more women are in jobs of higher status. Its these portrayals of life however that can influence the young by normalising such stereotypes. Chandler refers to Meehans work in regards to the type of stereotyping seen in TV as 'good ' woman are portrayed as submissive and domesticated where as 'bad ' woman are shown to be independent and rebellious. In regard to men, the hero type figure is usually seen …show more content…
In an article written by Natasha Walker (2013) she discusses her belief that feminism is needed more now than any other time due to the way in which today 's society objectifies and bases judgement on looks especially in regard to young girls being 'mainly valued as sex objects '. She highlights the need for strong feminist role models so young women don 't feel so pressured a culture that holds people attractiveness higher than respecting peoples gender due to their beliefs and many talents. The negative effects of this culture are vast from issues regarding Anorexia and depression all due to being unable to live up to the stereotypes shown through different media
Media representation of gender stereotypes in today 's society has became under increasing pressure to change. The term 'mass media ' is generally used in relation to television, books, newspapers, advertisements, magazines and films. Mass media tends to reflect the ideological message of what 's deemed as the natural roles of men and women - the classic gender stereotypes. Consequently this can have negative effects on an individual 's confidence and mentality, in particular to young men and women who see those portrayed in the media as their role models. Young adults often feel under intense …show more content…
Chandler illustrates the over representation of male figures in television through various examples such as how men outnumber women in T.V. by approximately 4 to 1 and in regards to children 's cartoons men outnumber female character 10 to 1. The emphasis of male characters isn 't the only difference in television as the roles each gender play are more often than not very stereotypical roles - women are portrayed as housewives, mothers and nurses where as men are shown as celebrities, business men, fathers and rather athletic. Men also are seen to have higher status jobs and where women are portrayed as having successful careers out with the home they are regularly shown as having miserable personal lives (Chandler n.d). This is a further example of how T.V portrays a false description of modern life as more and more women are in jobs of higher status. Its these portrayals of life however that can influence the young by normalising such stereotypes. Chandler refers to Meehans work in regards to the type of stereotyping seen in TV as 'good ' woman are portrayed as submissive and domesticated where as 'bad ' woman are shown to be independent and rebellious. In regard to men, the hero type figure is usually seen …show more content…
In an article written by Natasha Walker (2013) she discusses her belief that feminism is needed more now than any other time due to the way in which today 's society objectifies and bases judgement on looks especially in regard to young girls being 'mainly valued as sex objects '. She highlights the need for strong feminist role models so young women don 't feel so pressured a culture that holds people attractiveness higher than respecting peoples gender due to their beliefs and many talents. The negative effects of this culture are vast from issues regarding Anorexia and depression all due to being unable to live up to the stereotypes shown through different media