Feminist views on the role of the media

Question 1

What are the four concerns raised at the beginning of this chapter in the text book?

Answer 1

1. A NEGATIVE view of socialisation through the mass media
2. The socialisation of individuals through the mass media benefits men
3. The mass media is seen as having a powerful influence on audiences
4. Audiences are therefore seen as PASSIVE

Question 2

Do Feminists believe that the media reinforces stereotypes around gender?

Answer 2

Yes

Question 3

Name the three people associated with the Feminists view on the Role of Media.

Dates

Comments from each one

Answer 3

1. Tuchmann (1978): The media symbolically annihilates women
2. Mulvey (1975): women are objectified and subjected to the male gaze
3. Billington (1998): the media portrays masculinity as dominant and femininity as subordinate

Question 4

Are traditional Feminists current in their thinking

Answer 4

No.

Traditional feminists fail to recognise that the media has changed and there are now fewer gender stereotypes and a wider range of roles available to women, e.g. Lara Croft in Tomb Raider

Question 5

Has the objectification of women increased (Role of the Media)?

Answer 5

However, feminists argue that if anything the objectification of women has increased, particularly around the increasing manipulation of media images to portray idealised versions of femininity and the sexualisation of young girls.