Theorists: Van Zoonen + bell hooks

Question 1

How does Van Zoonen believe we learn about gender?

Answer 1

We learn what it means to be male or female through media products that we consume

Question 2

How does Van Zoonen believe gender is constructed?

Answer 2

Gender is constructed through discourse (communication from media) + that its meaning varies according to cultural + historical context

Question 3

How are males constructed in mainstream culture according to Zoonen?

Answer 3

Visual + narrative codes used to construct male body as spectacular

These differ from those used to objectify female bodies

Question 4

Give a quote to show what Zoonen believes:

Answer 4

‘The dominant visual economy is still organised along traditional gender lines: men look at women; women watch themselves being looked at

Question 5

Why doesnt bell hooks use capital letters in her name?

Answer 5

She doesn’t want to be defined by her name

Question 6

What does bell hooks believe about what feminism is about?

Answer 6

Its a struggle to end sexist/patriarchal oppression + the ideology of domination

Question 7

According to bell hooks, is feminism a political commitment or a lifestyle choice?

Answer 7

Political commitment

Question 8

What other factors affect discrimination? (bell hooks)

Answer 8

Race and class as well as sex determine the extent to which individuals are exploited , discriminated against, or oppressed