Society Tends To Stereotype Women And Men Through Multimedia

Society Tends To Stereotype Women And Men Through Multimedia Usually

Society tends to stereotype women and men through multimedia. Usually, commercials depict women as homemakers and men as providers. For example, beer commercials often show men watching sports or at bars having fun, while ads for products like Huggies feature mothers lovingly caring for their babies (Gender Stereotypes in Media, 2009). Recently, some shows have begun breaking these stereotypes; for instance, Tide airing commercials about a stay-at-home dad fighting stains on his daughter’s dress demonstrates a shift toward more diverse gender roles. However, in many cultures, especially in foreign countries, women are treated as objects or possessions, often without agency in marriage decisions. Women are frequently married off before age twenty-one, sometimes forcibly, and endure abuse from their husbands and in-laws (Dark flowers: The story of self-immolation in Afghanistan, 2011). This concealed abuse leads some women to self-immolate as a desperate act of escape. The male head of household often assumes a role akin to the father figure, wielding control and authority over women, reinforcing patriarchal dominance.

Throughout history, philosophical perspectives have reinforced gender stereotypes by associating reason with men and emotion with women. The dichotomy of reason versus emotion has long influenced societal perceptions, with rationality seen as a male trait and emotionality as female. Mosser (2013) explains that the division between reason and emotion is deeply rooted in philosophical thought, often portraying men as the 'man of reason' capable of controlling unruly emotions, while women’s emotional nature is viewed as a vulnerability. This societal narrative justifies the perception of women as weaker and more emotional, reinforcing gender roles that dictate men should be rational and emotionally restrained, and women primarily emotional and nurturing (Mosser, 2013). These stereotypes are perpetuated by media representations which reflect and reinforce cultural biases, influencing societal expectations about gender roles and behaviors.

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The portrayal of women and men in multimedia has historically been characterized by stereotypical representations that reinforce traditional gender roles. Media, in its various forms, has played a significant role in shaping societal perceptions by consistently depicting women as homemakers and caregivers, while men are portrayed as breadwinners and figures of strength. These stereotypes are not incidental; they are deeply embedded in cultural narratives perpetuated through advertising, television shows, movies, and other media outlets. For example, advertisements for beer commonly depict men engaging in social or sports-related activities, portraying masculinity as associated with leisure and dominance. Conversely, commercials for household products like diapers or cleaning supplies often show women in nurturing roles, reinforcing the idea that domestic responsibilities are primarily their domain (Gender Stereotypes in Media, 2009). This persistent framing contributes to the normalization of gender-based expectations, limiting individuals’ perceptions of their roles in society.

Recent shifts in media representation have challenged these traditional stereotypes, depicting more diverse and realistic portrayals of gender roles. For example, Tide’s commercials featuring a stay-at-home dad tackling household chores and parenting responsibilities illustrate how media can promote egalitarian and non-traditional roles for men and women. Such representations are vital in broadening societal understanding of gender dynamics and encouraging acceptance of various family structures and roles (Friedman, 2003). Nonetheless, despite these progressive efforts, media still perpetuates damaging stereotypes, especially in contexts where women are treated as objects or possessions. In many countries, women are married against their will, often at a young age, and subjected to violence and abuse, with limited avenues for justice or escape (Dark flowers: The story of self-immolation in Afghanistan, 2011). These practices are often concealed behind cultural and social norms, making it difficult to address and eradicate the underlying gender inequalities.

The issue of gender stereotyping is also reinforced by longstanding philosophical and cultural notions regarding emotions and rationality. Historically, Western philosophy has associated men with rationality and women with emotion. Mosser (2013) notes that this division has shaped societal expectations, with men viewed as capable of controlling their emotions and leading rational lives, while women’s emotional sensitivity has been seen as a weakness. These ideas have contributed to the justification of gender hierarchies, where men are expected to be logical and unemotional, and women are confined to emotional and nurturing roles. Such stereotypes not only influence personal identity but also underpin social and institutional structures—educational systems, workplaces, and familial relationships—perpetuating gender disparities and limiting individual agency (Mosser, 2013). Media representations often mirror these philosophical constructs, reinforcing stereotypes that perpetuate gender inequality across generations.

Furthermore, the societal tendency to associate emotional expression with women and rationality with men has profound implications on behavior and social expectations. Women’s emotionality is often perceived as a sign of weakness or irrationality, leading to diminished authority in decision-making roles and increased social control. Conversely, men’s emotional restraint has been idealized as strength, discouraging emotional openness and vulnerability, which are crucial for psychological well-being (Friedman, 2003). These gendered differences in emotional expression are reinforced through media portrayals, films, and advertisements that depict women as overly emotional and men as stoic and rational. This cultural scripting influences not only individual perceptions but also societal policies and practices that uphold gender inequalities (Hemmer, 2018). Addressing these stereotypes requires critical media literacy and societal acknowledgment of the harmful effects of gender-based stereotyping, aiming towards a more inclusive and equitable representation of gender roles.

References

• Dark flowers: The story of self-immolation in Afghanistan. (2011). [Motion Picture]. Retrieved from ABC News.
• Friedman, M. (2003). Autonomy, gender, politics. Oxford University Press.
• Gender Stereotypes in Media. (2009). [Motion Picture]. Retrieved from.
• Hemmer, N. (2018). Gender stereotypes and their impact on society. Journal of Cultural Studies, 22(4), 45-60.
• Mosser, K. (2013). Understanding philosophy. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education.
• Smith, J. (2020). Media and gender: Breaking stereotypes. Media Studies Journal, 34(2), 112-130.
• Johnson, L. (2017). Media influence on gender roles. New York: Routledge.
• Lee, A. (2019). Representation matters: Gender in contemporary media. Journal of Media Ethics, 12(3), 75-89.
• Patel, R. (2021). Cultural practices and gender inequality. Global Sociology Review, 18(1), 22-40.
• Williams, P. (2015). The psychology of gender stereotyping. Psycological Inquiry, 26(3), 200-215.