Media - 30 Flashcards
(32 cards)
Essay 1: Evaluate the view that media representations of women reinforce traditional stereotypes
- Symbolic annihilation in media structure
- Symbolic annihilation in the New Media
- Male Gaze and Beauty Myth
Essay 2: Evaluate the view that media representations of masculinity are harmful to men
- Hegemonic Masculinity in Public Sphere
- Masculine Myth and Violence
- Retributive Masculinity in Consumer Culture
Essay 3: Evaluate the view that the media reinforces negative perceptions of disability
- Negative Stereotypes and Social constructionism
- Media and Disabilism in News
- Symbolic Annihilation in TV
Essay 4: Evaluate the view that the upper class are positively represented in the media
- Celebration of Hierarchy and Tradition
- Consumerism and Lavish Lifestyles
- False Consciousness via Media
Essay 5: Outline and explain two ways in which the middle class are represented within the media
- Over-representation in MainStream media
- Middle Class taste and consumption
Essay 6: Evaluate the view that the working class are negatively portrayed in the media
- Symbolic Annihilation
- Creation of False Class consciousness
- Working class deviance as entertainment
Essay 7: Evaluate the view that media reinforces negative perceptions of poverty and the underclass
- Symbolic Annihilation of Poverty
- Stigmatising Language and Labels
- Reality TV and reality porn
📌 Essay 1: Evaluate the view that media representations of ethnicity and race are stereotypical and reinforce inequality
- Stereotypes and Criminalisation
- Symbolic Annihilation and Underrrepresentation
- Islamaphobia and cultural threat narratives
Theory: Pluralism
Sociologist: Tuchman
Tuchman argues women are symbolically annihilated in the media—either absent or shown in narrow roles. News programs (e.g., BBC Radio 4: 84% male guests) suggest media reflects male-dominated power structures, reinforcing women’s invisibility.
- Argument — The Male Gaze and Beauty Myth
Theory: Radical Feminism
Sociologists: Mulvey, Wolf
Mulvey’s ‘male gaze’ reduces women to sexual objects. Wolf’s ‘Beauty Myth’ explains how unattainable beauty standards (e.g., thinness, perfection) are pushed via media, especially advertising. Orbach links this to eating disorders and low self-worth.
- Argument — Symbolic Annihilation in New Media
Theory: Pluralism
Sociologists: Dietz, Cochrane
Dietz found 41% of video games excluded female characters; 28% sexualised them. Online abuse (e.g., Diane Abbott receiving 45% of personal hate tweets in 2017) shows women, especially minority women, are still marginalised in digital spaces.
Theory: Pluralism
Sociologist: Gauntlett
Gauntlett (2008) argues media now empowers women. TV shows like ‘Stranger Things’ and films like ‘Barbie’ and ‘Bird Box’ show strong female leads, suggesting symbolic annihilation is declining with time and audience demand.
Theory: New Wave Feminism
Sociologists: Green & Singleton, Bates
Digital platforms allow women to build identities and challenge stereotypes (e.g., EverydaySexism.com). Green & Singleton argue sites like Mumsnet still reinforce traditional emotional work roles, but platforms also enable feminist activism.
Theory: Pluralism
Sociologist: Philo
Feminist media critiques often rely on content analysis, which Philo argues can be subjective and deterministic. Pluralists say women are not passive dupes; media reflects consumer demand and cultural complexity.
Theory: Feminism
Sociologist: Connell
Connell argues hegemonic masculinity celebrates stoicism and dominance. Boys rarely see men doing domestic chores (Children Now, 1999), reinforcing outdated gender roles and emotional repression.
- Argument — The Masculine Myth and Violence
Theory: Interactionism
Sociologists: Easthorpe, McNamara
Media glorifies aggression via male heroes. McNamara (2006) found 80% of male portrayals in media show violence or thuggishness, marginalising alternative masculinities.
- Argument — Retributive Masculinity in Consumer Culture
Theory: Pluralism
Sociologists: Rutherford, Edwards
Rutherford describes lads’ mags and shows like Top Gear as reasserting traditional masculinity. Edwards adds consumer goods (e.g., gym products, grooming) are marketed to men as a form of identity.
- Evaluation — Rise of Metrosexual Male
Theory: Postmodernism
Sociologists: McNamara, Gauntlett
Metrosexual men embrace grooming and emotional openness. Gauntlett argues media like FHM and shows like ‘Friends’ promote sensitive, funny, caring male identities.
- Evaluation — Activism and Decline of Toxic Norms
Theory: Feminism
Sociologist: APA
“Lose the Lads’ Mags” campaign and 2013 legislation reduced casual soft porn in stores. APA reports link this to reduced tolerance of harassment and greater acceptance of gender diversity.
- Evaluation — Postmodern Diversity
Theory: Postmodernism
Sociologist: Adorno (critique)
While Adorno critiques consumption, postmodernism celebrates diverse masculinities. Media allows fluid identity formation, though commodification still reinforces some norms
- Argument — Negative Stereotypes & Social Construction
Theory: Interactionism
Sociologists: Barnes, Shakespeare
Barnes identified 6 common stereotypes (e.g., pitiable, sinister). Shakespeare (himself disabled) said media uses these as lazy hooks, reinforcing ignorance and disablism.
- Argument — Media & Disablism in News
Theory: Interactionism
Sociologists: Findlay, Watson & Briant
Media focuses on tragedy/heroism. Watson & Briant found people with hidden disabilities often labelled ‘scroungers.’ News coverage declined in empathy from 2005 to 2011.
- Argument — Symbolic Annihilation in TV
Theory: Symbolic Interactionism
Sociologist: Cumberbatch
80% of disabled portrayals relate to visible impairments. Invisible conditions are neglected, reducing the disabled to medical labels and limiting their media presence.
- Evaluation — Paralympic Representations
Theory: Pluralism
Sociologists: Channel 4, Philo
Paralympics coverage has expanded, e.g., Paris 2024 broadcast in 160+ countries. Campaigns like ‘Considering What’ promote ability-focused narratives, challenging stereotypes.
