Representations - Age Flashcards
How does media represent childhood?
As a stage of innocence and dependency with positive but stereotypical portrayals
Media rarely shows children coping with issues like racism.
List the six positive stereotypes of childhood found in media.
- Cute: Baby adverts
- Little devils: Bart Simpson
- Brilliant: Junior mastermind
- Brave angels: Suffering from illness
- Accessories: Extras alongside famous parents
- Modern: More aware than previous generations
What are the main representations of children according to Heinzt-Knowles?
- Truthful
- Helping others
- Engaging in anti-social actions like lying or bullying
What is ‘Pester Power’ in the context of media?
The representation of children in advertisements to socialize them as active consumers
This can create anxiety among working-class parents who cannot afford these products.
Why can’t studies on children’s media representations be generalized?
They tend to focus on children from America and lack focus on how children interpret representations
What do documentaries like ‘Educating Essex’ aim to portray?
The complex issues children face from their own point of view
What do feminists argue about media representations of children?
They are problematic due to over-sexualization and focus on appearance/weight
How are youth traditionally represented in media?
Negatively as troublesome and deviant
What does new media allow young people to do regarding their identity?
Construct their own identity
What social constructs does media create for youth?
- Consumption
- Lifestyle
- Identity
What type of media is targeted at young people?
- Magazines
- Music sites
- Radio stations
How are youth portrayed in moral panics?
As ‘folk devils’
What did Wayne et al. find about media portrayal of youth?
A one-dimensional negative portrayal aimed at encouraging fear
What percentage of news focused on young people as victims or perpetrators of violent crime?
82%
What is the rare occurrence regarding young people’s opinions in news?
Only 1% of news includes their opinions
What do interactionists believe about media representations of youth?
They are attempts at social control by labeling young people as a threat
According to neo-Marxists, who sets the agenda in media reporting about youth?
Older people
What positive function do functionalists argue media representations serve?
Boundary maintenance and reinforcement of social expectations
What do pluralists believe about media representations of youth?
They reflect reality; young people do commit more crime
What do postmodernists say about media representations in a saturated society?
They are diverse, with negative portrayals being only a small aspect
How are the elderly represented in media?
Largely invisible and when present, often ageist and stereotypical
What impact does social class have on representations of old age?
Those with spending power are portrayed more positively
How are elderly upper and middle-class men portrayed?
As having high status roles and socially involved in the community
How are elderly women typically portrayed in media?
In family settings as passive and socially isolated
