Feminism Theory

Question 1

Describe van zoonens feminist theory

Answer 1

The idea that gender is constructed through discourse and that it’s meaning varies according to cultural and historical context

Question 2

What are the strengths of van zoonens feminist theory

Answer 2

It focuses on dominant discourse on gender which challenges representations communicated, there’s an assumption that audiences passively accept popular culture

Question 3

What are the weaknesses of van zoonens feminism theory

Answer 3

There is an oversight of active audiences in non mainstream work and non mainstream media as van zoonen does not analyse contemporary diverse representations unlike gauntlett

Question 4

What is the validity of van zoonens feminism theory

Answer 4

Van zoonen accurately concludes that discourse varies in context however the notion of passive and active audiences is not included

Question 5

What is the relevance of van zoonens theory

Answer 5

Strong links with vogue but not big issue and contextually the discourse in big issue is relevant for discussion

Question 6

How does feminism theory by van zoonen link to vogue

Answer 6

• women represented with domestic life and are shown to care, nurture and be compassionate and this is shown through imperial leather
• due to the historical and social contexts, that explains why vogue do this

Question 7

How does feminism theory by van zoonen link to big issue

Answer 7

Grayson Perry’s expectations of masculinity were shaped by watching war films presenting a narrow concept of what a man should be and his mam depended on his stepdad suggests the negative impact of patriarchal dominance