Women in Media - Stereotypes

Women in MediaStereotypes

Stereotypes Women are often portrayed as romantic or sexual

interests This creates the message that women’s actions and

significance are dependent on men This is reinforced by the lack of female protagonists in all

forms of media This is evident also in the fact that a lot of women play

the roles of deuteragonists, an example of this is Watch_Dogs’s Clara

They are often also quite attractive

Women are often emotionally sensitive in comparison to men

Often a objectified as a “prize”

The “Dumb Blonde”Often an air-headed character

Over-emphasised in parody movies in particular

Less intelligent This emphasises and is emphasised by their air-

headedness

Most often heavily sexualised There is variation, as some are voluptuous and

others are skinny Also often where skimpy clothing, heavy make-up,

etc. Makes women seem more like an object of sexuality

HousewifeMarried

In the case of younger couples, this is often to a business-oriented man/rich man, which cements the stereotype of being a prize

Has children Often looks after the house and children often,

thus doesn’t have a job

Faithful Shown as “beautiful” as opposed to “sexy” This creates a platonic element to the character,

which increases their value when objectified

The IndependentOften involved in office/workplace romances

Independent Sometimes used satirically to mock women who

believe they are independent by

Strong and fortified Often shown as strict in positions of power, such

as as a boss or a teacher