Age Representation Flashcards
How are children often represented in contemporary society?
As vulnerable and in need of adult protection
This representation ties into the social construction of childhood.
What role does the advertising industry play in the representation of children?
Presents children as consumers to socialize them into consumerism and increase peer pressure for products
This strategy aims to create lifelong consumers.
List the eight ways children are represented in media according to content analysis.
- As victims of horrendous crimes
- As cute
- As little devils
- As brilliant
- As brave little angels
- As accessories
- As modern
- As active consumers
What stereotype is associated with children as victims in media?
White children as victims of horrendous crimes receive more media attention than adults or ethnic minority children
This highlights racial disparities in media coverage.
How are children often portrayed as ‘cute’ in media?
Common stereotype in TV commercials for baby products or toilet rolls
What does the stereotype of children as ‘little devils’ represent?
A common stereotype in drama and comedy, exemplified by characters like Bart Simpson
How are children depicted as ‘brilliant’?
As child prodigies or heroes for saving adults
What does the term ‘brave little angels’ refer to in media representations of children?
Children suffering from long-term terminal diseases or disabilities
In what context are children portrayed as ‘accessories’?
Stories about celebrities focusing on how their children humanize them
What does it mean for children to be portrayed as ‘modern’?
Media focuses on how today’s children know more than previous generations
How are children represented as ‘active consumers’?
TV commercials depict children with a consumer appetite for toys and games
What new family pressure results from children’s consumer behavior?
‘Pester power’ - the ability of children to manipulate parents into spending money
What are the two broad ways youth is perceived?
- As a social construction
- As a problem
How is youth constructed as a social phenomenon?
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.
How does the media portray youth as a social problem?
As immoral or anti-authority, leading to moral panics and the construction of youth as folk devils
What did Wayne et al (2008) find regarding media representation of young people?
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
What real issues facing young people are often overlooked by media?
- Homelessness
- Unemployment
- Mental health
What does research suggest about media representation of the elderly?
Age is not the only factor; class also impacts portrayal
How are upper and middle-class elderly people typically portrayed in media?
According to Newman: As high-status roles such as leaders, judges, and experts
News programmes assumes that old males are capable of reporting news
What issue do older female newscasters face compared to older male newscasters?
Older men are often paired with younger women to report news, while older women are relegated to radio
List the five key one-dimensional portrayals of the elderly in media.
- As grumpy
- As mentally challenged
- As dependent
- As a burden
- As enjoying a second childhood
How is the elderly portrayed as ‘grumpy’?
As conservative, stubborn, and resistant to social change
What does the characterization of the elderly as ‘mentally challenged’ imply?
Suffering from declining mental functions
How are the elderly depicted as ‘dependent’?
Helpless and reliant on younger family members or society
What does it mean for the elderly to be seen as ‘a burden’?
An economic burden on society and a physical/social burden on younger family members
What does ‘enjoying a second childhood’ imply about the elderly?
Reliving adolescence and engaging in long-desired activities
Is the representation of the elderly in media improving?
Yes, as media producers recognize the elderly’s disposable incomes to spend on consumer items - better treatment
