The document discusses representation and gender, noting that while sex is biological, gender is culturally formed through socialization. It acknowledges there are multiple ways to express masculinity and femininity, but cultural dominance naturalizes some expressions. It encourages students to contextualize stereotypes historically circulating in media and notes feminists and post-feminists may critique or celebrate representations differently. Content analysis of gender representations on television is presented as a useful analytical tool.

1. Representation and Gender: Masculinities and Femininities

2. Sex versus Gender For most of us we are either born with a willy or a lady bottom – that is your SEX! GENDER differences are CULTURALY FORMED by SOCIALISING AGENCIES – we learn how to be masculine or feminine. There are multiple ways to express masculinity and femininity !!!! – However cultural HEGEMONY naturalises some.

3. Masculinity Comes in Different Shapes and Sizes – See worksheet one:

4. Femininity Comes in Many Shapes and Sizes – See Worksheet Two.

5. DON’T get caught out talking about the past! CONTEXTUALISE. Certain gendered images / stereotypes HISTORICALLY have been circulated in the media. As a Media Studies students you MUST realise that these stereotypes are continually being challenged / re-interpreted. FEMINISTS might criticise Charlie’s Angels – POST FEMINISTS might celebrate it. NEGOTIATED READINGS.

6. Content Analysis is a good place to start! HOWEVER – some gender stereotypes still exist: 1. Think of things that you DON’T see women doing on TV e.g. anchoring General Election Night coverage. 2. What NON –TRADITIONAL things do you see men doing on TV? 3. Counting things – CONTENT ANALYSIS – is a useful tool in analysing gender representations.

7. True or False? Only 13% of central characters in UK ads are women, whilst they make up 41% of the workforce? Women are repeatedly shown as ‘housewives, mothers and homemakers’? Men are often represented in situations of authority and dominance – aided by the use of the male voice over. Men are scientists or knowledgeable experts – women just consume?