Influence of media on gender roles

Question 1

how are men portrayed in media?

Answer 1

• directive - in charge
• independent
• strong and in control
• aggressive but for the greater good

Question 2

how are women portrayed in media?

Answer 2

• passive - things happen to them
• dependent and unambitious
• emotionless
• flawless - physical perfection
• sexually enticing

Question 3

McGhee and Frueh

Answer 3

• conducted a study in 1980
• found children who watched TV more than 25 hours per week had more stereotypical views than those who didn’t, especially boys

Question 4

vicarious reinforcement

Answer 4

• info abt the outcome of displaying gender non/appropriate behaviours
• gender appropriate behaviour tend to be rewarded e.g. by becoming successful
• non-gender appropriate behaviour tends to be punished e.g. seen as a an outcast, weird, rejected

Question 5

results of vicarious reinforcement

Answer 5

• success stories similar to us increases self- efficacy - belief in what you can do
• failures of people similar to us decreases self-efficacy - lowers self esteem and increases self- doubt

Question 6

counter sterotypes

Answer 6

• pingree 78: stereotyping in kids reduced when shown non-commercial gender roles in media
• powerful so can have a positive effect and counter stereotypical views of gender

Question 7

positive discussion points

Answer 7

Research support
- Williams notel study: after TV introduced, more sec-stereotyped views
- shows exposure has significant effects

Question 8

limiting discussion points

Answer 8

Counter-stereotypes have an opposing effect
- pingree: boys displayed more counter-stereotypical behaviour after exposure to non-trad models
- using opposing media may result in resilience of gender beliefs