Stereotypes That Reflect Society's Expectations Of Gender

Paper #1 Internet Assignment

Boys will be boys and girls shouldn’t get dirty. These are just a couple common mistaken beliefs of gender commonly heard in our society. As individuals, young people are continually bombarded by messages, whether subtle or intended, that reflect society’s expectations of gender. Media is profoundly implicated in the process of defining and framing gender and is also often the main offender behind the perpetration of gender stereotypes.

Media consumers process the messages and form assumption about what is appropriate and what is and is not for males and females.

Throughout their lifespan, men and women develop differently and mold to particular expectations of gender. As children, they gain a sense

In the media, women tend to be represented more negatively than men. While men are perceived as hard workers, directive, and physically aggressive, women are displayed as

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likeable, warm, passive, submissive, and weak. Women are also more likely than men to display empathic behaviors such as affection, sharing, giving, and concern for others. Women are also likely to be portrayed as sex objects in media. Media often portrays unrealistic images of women. Things such as video games highly sexualize women by featuring large-breasted, attractive, females who are seldom main characters. There is pressure on women to not only have beautiful bodies, but to also be attractive, youthful, and single. Compared to men, women are often dressed provocatively and high emphasis is placed on appearance. Teenage girls depicted on television display passiveness, and superficial obsessions with

By viewing sexy ads, females are urged to express themselves through their bodies. Research has shown that females who view media as a means of assessment for body image are likely to experience unhappiness with their body. Even girls who are raised in loving homes by supportive parents grow up in a toxic cultural environment. They are at risk for self-harm, eating disorders and addictions. Countless numbers of young girls are actively trying to lose weight by dieting, use of laxatives, vomiting, or taking diet pills. Basically, girls know something isn’t right, but rather than looking for the problem within the culture, they search within themselves and their families.

Overall, the impression I got from the articles was one that I had expected. I had expected women to be portrayed the same as they have been for the last few decades and men to be portrayed as strong and the provider for the family. It was surprising for me to see that even though the media portrays women as taking a back seat to men, they are still