Theories + Representation of men and women in the media (Gender)

Laura Mulvey - 1975
"As erotic objects of desire for the characters within the story, and as erotic objects of desire for the spectator."

David Gauntlett - 2002
"Images of the conventionally rugged, super-independent, extra-strong macho man still circulate in popular culture."

Mackillon - 2002
In 2002 Mackillon said males are now used in a similar way to women, in so far as they are being presented as sex objects and are seen to be more image conscious and sensitive.



How are males and females represented in the media?

Depending on the type of media, women can be portrayed in different ways, although the most common way women are represented is sexually. In most types of media, be it video games or Hollywood blockbusters, 9 times out of 10 they will be quite sexualised. Thin, busty, and extremely pretty are the first words that come to mind. There are some exceptions however, a lot of the comedy roles played by women are played by 'big girls' so to speak, take Rebel Wilson and Dawn French for example, they both play comedy roles in films and series etc and they're not skinny ten out of ten women that are usually on the front of DVD's.

Again, it all depends on what type of media it is, but men aren't very similar to women when it comes to portrayal. Men nowadays are usually represented as heroic, strong and brave as apposed to most women in actions and hours who are portrayed as weak and feeble. There are similarities between the two though, and that is that men and women are both portrayed as attractive, attractive in different ways yes, but still attractive. Men would have these perfect body's with toned muscles and a face that their fathers themselves are jealous of. Women on the other hand are slim with some sort of an hourglass figure and a perfectly sized bust.