Feminism

Question 1

What are the 10 key aspects of the media and its role in women’s lives according to Allen and Densmore (1977)?

Answer 1

• Media as a source of power
• Historical progress linked to communication
• Individual communication and media structure
• Women’s criticism of mass media
• Disseminators of information as historical factors
• Efforts to expand communications
• Mass media’s response to information demands
• Philosophical basis for new communication systems
• Finding alternative ways for communication

Question 2

In what historical period did women make significant progress through communication?

Answer 2

The ‘muckracking’ period of the early 1900s

This period involved mass magazines focused on exposés for reform legislation.

Question 3

What issues did women address using the media during the muckracking period?

Answer 3

• Peace
• Women’s rights
• Humanitarian reforms
• Economic reforms
• Political reforms

Question 4

What role did WW1 play in women’s media usage?

Answer 4

It encouraged women to take up new options outside the home in new fields of employment.

Question 5

How did women establish their own media in the present?

Answer 5

Through demonstrations, sit-ins, and legal actions.

Question 6

What negative portrayal of women has been perpetuated by the mass media?

Answer 6

• Describing women as extremists
• Portraying them as violent or criminally inclined
• Depicting them as sex objects

Question 7

What do those who control the means of communication influence?

Answer 7

They decide what information people have, impacting their judgments.

Question 8

What is the belief of WIFP regarding alternative communication systems?

Answer 8

There are many possible communications systems that can promote equality.

Question 9

What technological advances are being investigated by women’s organizations?

Answer 9

• Cable TV for unlimited channels
• Satellite communications granted by NASA

Question 10

What is a key critique of radical feminism according to liberal feminists?

Answer 10

It makes feminism appear ludicrous to outsiders.

Question 11

What adverse effects do radicals associate with liberal feminist sexual confidence?

Answer 11

It serves to maintain the patriarchy’s sexual desires and lowers women’s confidence.

Question 12

What significant event did Beyonce perform at in 2014 that related to feminism?

Answer 12

The VMA’s, singing ‘Flawless’ with a backdrop featuring ‘FEMINIST’.

Question 13

What did many radical feminists criticize about Beyonce’s performance?

Answer 13

They argued it was for publicity rather than serious revolutionary change.

Question 14

What is the perspective of liberal feminists regarding the media’s role?

Answer 14

They believe it can help bring about equality through reform.

Question 15

What challenges do Black women in Britain face concerning media representations?

Answer 15

• Limited and derogatory depictions
• Hostile and racist media environments
• Discriminatory backlash from the public

Question 16

What has led to new opportunities for Black women in media?

Answer 16

The increased availability of digital devices and content creation processes.

Question 17

What is the main critique of focusing on women of certain demographics within feminism?

Answer 17

It breaks down unity for the movement.

Question 18

How do Marxist feminists view class and gender inequalities?

Answer 18

As dual systems of oppression that reinforce each other.

Question 19

What does Tong (1989) note about the impact of work on women’s consciousness?

Answer 19

Women’s work shapes her status and self-image.

Question 20

What is a common portrayal of women in cartoons according to Marxist feminists?

Answer 20

As stay-at-home moms.