Gender PARA 2: Male gaze Flashcards
Item point:
This may be due to the disproportionate number of men in control of media outlets’
Sociological evidence
Feminists: argue the way in which the camera ‘eyes up’ women in a sexual way is to provide erotic pleasure for men
Explanation: Women become objects for male desire and are often placed in programmes to be glamloys and to be saved by a man
Sociologists: MULVEY would argue that this is called the Male Gaze and occurs in film because heterosexual men were in control of the camera. Women are displayed as sexual objects of the characters and the spectators, the man therefore emerges as the dominant force and the women is passive under the active (sexual) gaze of the man.
Evaluation
Point: There have been several films in recent decades with ‘strong’ lead female characters who are fierce and therefore subvert concepts of masculinity. For example Wonder Woman
However: it could be argued that these female roles still perpetuate the Male Gaze as the lead females are often slim and attractive
Contemporary example: One contemporary example of progression is that the BEACH BODY CAMPAIGN sparked backlash due to the unrealistic beauty standards it promotes, since the advert there has been an increase in diversity of representation of women in advertising.
- PLURALISTS would also argue that media representations just reflect what the market wants the wonders are not to be blamed. Similarly, HEGEMONIC MARXISTS would also agree and state that the owners of media aren’t doing this on purpose, due to them being male they will present male representation.
