Gender Diferences in the Media

The Mass Media Context: The mass media, which includes films, television, videos, newspapers, and comics is a vital part of creating and reinforcing gender stereotypes. This is done in anumber of ways. Children's comics,for example, often present women as being pretty, helpless, and dependant on men. They are also usually shown in stereotypical roles, such as nurses and mothers. A similar pattern is also shown in children's television. Fairytales often either portray women as …

…aligators whilst delivering a box of chocolates. The heroes of many young men often solve their problems through ruthless violence. These images do not reflect the majority of men, and they will react to this with feelings of inadequacy. This may then lead to them trying to act like the heroes they worshipped as youngsters, and reacting to things as they would - violently. This is often done towards women who are an easier target.