Van Zoonen Flashcards
What does VZ believe in?
In patriarchal culture, the way women’s bodies are represented as objects is different to the representation of male bodies as spectacle.
What is all around the world - VZ?
Different cultural codes
What theory does VZ link to?
Laura Mulvey - male gaze
What is a spectacle?
Encourages men to be powerful in contrast to women being objectified
What does VZ believe in terms of media?
That media perpetuates stereotypes in terms of gender and they reinforce them
What does VZ disagree with?
Van Zoonen disagrees with arguments that the internet, being based on collaboration, is a technology that is true and close to women and femininity. These views are too simple.
What does the behaviour by the media portraying women’s bodies reinforce?
Societal views
Why does the media portray these certain stereotypes?
Because they believe it reflects dominant social values and male producers are influenced by this
What does she believe gender is?
Gender is performative – our ideas of femininity and masculinity are constructed in our performances of these roles. Gender is ‘what we do’ rather than ‘what we are’.
What are feminists particularly interested in?
The contribution made by the media to society’s dominant ideas about gender roles
What is liberal feminism?
Tends to see more equal gender relations being brought about by equal opportunities policies
What is radical feminism?
People in the forefront of exposing male abuse of women and politicising issues like domestic abuse
What does VZ believe the media strategies of radical feminism are?
Straightforward - women should create their own means of communication and try to free themselves completely
