Representations Theory Flashcards
Why does Almy et al. argue media representations are important?
Because they enter ‘our collective social understandings, constituting our sense of selves, the possibilities we take up in the world, and the possibilities we see for action in it’.
In other words, media representations not only stereotype masculinity & femininity into limited forms of behaviour, but also provide role models that members of each gender are encouraged to aspire to.
What does Gauntlett point out about sociological analysis of media representations?
That they need to be cautious, because of the sheer diversity of media that exists in the UK, constituting a range of audio-visual, written and new media.
Moreover, media audiences are wildly diverse. Gauntlett therefore suggests that it would be folly to assume that ideological messages that are transmitted reflect similar perspectives on gender.
Moreover, it is highly likely that, as a result of media and audience diversity, media messages about gender will be contradictory and possibly irreconcilable*.
*adjective
1.
(of ideas or statements) so different from each other that they cannot be made compatible.
noun
1.
any of two or more ideas or statements that cannot be made compatible.
