Age Representation

Question 1

How are children often represented in contemporary society?

Answer 1

As vulnerable and in need of adult protection

This representation ties into the social construction of childhood.

Question 2

What role does the advertising industry play in the representation of children?

Answer 2

Presents children as consumers to socialize them into consumerism and increase peer pressure for products

This strategy aims to create lifelong consumers.

Question 3

List the eight ways children are represented in media according to content analysis.

Answer 3

• As victims of horrendous crimes
• As cute
• As little devils
• As brilliant
• As brave little angels
• As accessories
• As modern
• As active consumers

Question 4

What stereotype is associated with children as victims in media?

Answer 4

White children as victims of horrendous crimes receive more media attention than adults or ethnic minority children

This highlights racial disparities in media coverage.

Question 5

How are children often portrayed as ‘cute’ in media?

Answer 5

Common stereotype in TV commercials for baby products or toilet rolls

Question 6

What does the stereotype of children as ‘little devils’ represent?

Answer 6

A common stereotype in drama and comedy, exemplified by characters like Bart Simpson

Question 7

How are children depicted as ‘brilliant’?

Answer 7

As child prodigies or heroes for saving adults

Question 8

What does the term ‘brave little angels’ refer to in media representations of children?

Answer 8

Children suffering from long-term terminal diseases or disabilities

Question 9

In what context are children portrayed as ‘accessories’?

Answer 9

Stories about celebrities focusing on how their children humanize them

Question 10

What does it mean for children to be portrayed as ‘modern’?

Answer 10

Media focuses on how today’s children know more than previous generations

Question 11

How are children represented as ‘active consumers’?

Answer 11

TV commercials depict children with a consumer appetite for toys and games

Question 12

What new family pressure results from children’s consumer behavior?

Answer 12

‘Pester power’ - the ability of children to manipulate parents into spending money

Question 13

What are the two broad ways youth is perceived?

Answer 13

• As a social construction
• As a problem

Question 14

How is youth constructed as a social phenomenon?

Answer 14

Media industry shapes youth identity through lifestyle magazines and targeted marketing

Link to pick and mix identities and media

This includes music and internet platforms.

Question 15

How does the media portray youth as a social problem?

Answer 15

As immoral or anti-authority, leading to moral panics and the construction of youth as folk devils

Question 16

What did Wayne et al (2008) find regarding media representation of young people?

Answer 16

Young people represented mainly as a violent threat to society and rarely featured with their perspectives

media shows a one dimensional picture of youth - encourages fear and condemning

Question 17

What real issues facing young people are often overlooked by media?

Answer 17

• Homelessness
• Unemployment
• Mental health

Question 18

What does research suggest about media representation of the elderly?

Answer 18

Age is not the only factor; class also impacts portrayal

Question 19

How are upper and middle-class elderly people typically portrayed in media?

Answer 19

According to Newman: As high-status roles such as leaders, judges, and experts

News programmes assumes that old males are capable of reporting news

Question 20

What issue do older female newscasters face compared to older male newscasters?

Answer 20

Older men are often paired with younger women to report news, while older women are relegated to radio

Question 21

List the five key one-dimensional portrayals of the elderly in media.

Answer 21

• As grumpy
• As mentally challenged
• As dependent
• As a burden
• As enjoying a second childhood

Question 22

How is the elderly portrayed as ‘grumpy’?

Answer 22

As conservative, stubborn, and resistant to social change

Question 23

What does the characterization of the elderly as ‘mentally challenged’ imply?

Answer 23

Suffering from declining mental functions

Question 24

How are the elderly depicted as ‘dependent’?

Answer 24

Helpless and reliant on younger family members or society

Question 25

What does it mean for the elderly to be seen as ‘a burden’?

Answer 25

An economic burden on society and a physical/social burden on younger family members

Question 26

What does ‘enjoying a second childhood’ imply about the elderly?

Answer 26

Reliving adolescence and engaging in long-desired activities

Question 27

Is the representation of the elderly in media improving?

Answer 27

Yes, as media producers recognize the elderly’s disposable incomes to spend on consumer items - better treatment