Gender Issues In The Media [useful info however doesn't relate to advertising]

Male and female images
As one dramatic example, the image and representation of women and girls in the media has long been a subject of concern. Research shows that there are many fewer females than males in almost all forms of mainstream media and those who do appear are often portrayed in very stereotypical ways.

Constantly polarized gender messages in media have fundamentally anti-social effects.

In everything from advertising, television programming, newspaper and magazines, to comic books, popular music, film and video games, women and girls are more likely to be shown: in the home, performing domestic chores such as laundry or cooking; as sex objects who exist primarily to service men; as victims who can't protect themselves and are the natural recipients of beatings, harassment, sexual assault and murder.

Men and boys are also stereotyped by the media. From GI Joe to Rambo, masculinity is often associated with machismo, independence, competition, emotional detachment, aggression and violence. Despite the fact that men have considerably more economic and political power in society than women, these trends - although different from those which affect women and girls - are very damaging to boys.

Research tells us that the more television children watch, the more likely they are to hold sexist notions about traditional male and female roles and the more likely the boys are to demonstrate aggressive behaviour.

In fact, images aimed at children are particularly polarized in the way they portray girls and boys. In advertising, for instance, girls are shown as being endlessly preoccupied by their appearance, and fascinated primarily by dolls and jewellery, while boys are encouraged to play sports and become engrossed by war play and technology.

Furthermore, children are increasingly being exposed to messages about gender that are really intended for adult eyes only. These images also help shape the notions little girls and boys have about who they should be and what they can achieve.