Analysis Critical Perspectives: Essay Analysis: Gender -

Extract from Candidate  - 

Examples

Terminology

Theory

Analysis

Grammar

I have been researching teenagers and their identity. I’ve been looking into how the media shown teenagers.

I will relate this to Misfits and Fishtank, and explain their collective identity.

Misfits is a british tv series based on a group of teens who are all facing community service.

We learn all there individual identity’s and are made to believe they have no hope. We meet 5 teenagers who are all stereotypically shown with anti-social behavior. In the group there is a party girl, sports runner, cocky one etc.

Tajfel and turner quote that ‘people tend to categorise themselves into groups which they then build their identity’s’. I disagree with this as these have been emerged together as they have all been in crime. These include drugs, drink driving, fighting etc.

Historically this can relate to Skins and grange hill, these are all school based although skins covered more controversial issues. We see petty crimes which aren’t as serious as the ones in misfits. Tajfel and turner quite is related to skins as they are all a group of friends and they build there identity together.

Fishtank a 2009 film, teenagers are portrayed differently. We get to see Mia a 15 year old girl who has no hope. She has a dream of dancing but with young single mothered mum who shouts and swears at children she has a poor family structure to help her. David Buckingham quotes that the media don’t just offer a transparent window of the world but a mediated one.

Mia smokes, binge drink and has underage sex. The audience are made to believe that all teenagers are like this. He young mother who gets a boyfriend, he wants to help Mia and find her identity. He often asks her to dance to his favourite song although when she does we see them having sex. David Buckingham quote can be related to misfits, we are made to believe that all teenagers have convicted crimes. In Bullett Boy we see a gang of boys who are all involved in drugs and crime. The media show teen culture in a very bad way. Misfits is released on TV past the water shed times as they all swear etc. It is shown on both E4 and channel 4, their website contains games, podcasts, blogs etc. On the blogs you can communicate with other fans. They have a facebook and twitter page with all individual accounts. David Gauntlett explains that identity’s are complicated however everyone thinks they have one.

In Fishtank her mothers boyfriends finds a dance event she can attend Mia then believes she made have found her identity when she gets there she is called up on stage for which she didn’t know it was pole/lap dancing.

The media then show how teenagers have no hope or luck.

Historically this could be related to Dawson’s creek as we are made to look down on the anti-social behaviour teens. It could also relate to Waterloo road which is a tv series on a school who the youngens follow the action of the olders.

We then get to see the mother having a party in her council estate flats with family and friends. Her two children aren’t invited an stay upstairs. This shows the lack of family structure at home. We meet Mia’s little sister tyler with a friend both who are swearing and smoking.


The audience are left to believe all young mums live in broken britain and teenagers have no hope at all.

Mia was kicked out of school and they receive In both misfits and fishtank the media have stereotypically shown teenagers and portrayed them very negatively. We are made to believe that all teenagers are into anti-social behaviour, drinking, drugs, smoking etc. The media will only shown the negative sides of teen culture so everyone will believe teens do this in everyday life not the positives that they do. 

Mark - 

Terminology: 2 / 10

Analysis: 5 / 20

Examples: 5 / 20

(Grammar: - 5)

End Mark Prediction: 7 / 50

End Mark Actual: 27 / 50

End Grade Prediction: E

End Grade Actual: E >

Theories used with limited convictions.

Assumes straightforward connection of meaning.

General and simplistic showing basic understanding of basic critical perspectives and terminology.

Analysis Critical Perspectives: Media Essay: Gender -

Critical Perspectives Essay: Gender - 

• “Media simply represent collective identity, they don’t create it.” How far do you agree with this statement?

Collective identity is a group with shared norms and values which could include any subculture within society such as gender. The media as an influential institution within society is often responsible for representing and mediating groups to mass audiences and it has often been a concern of theorists as to whether collective identity is self-constructed or ruled over by ideas of the ruling class in a hegemonic way.

Firstly, magazines well known in Western culture aimed at both males and females help to exemplify the collective identity of gender in media. For instance, Men's Health magazine and Women's Health magazine are both formed by the same company but aimed at the subculture of two genders. It could be argued that the collective identity of the most widely accepted female or feminine construction within society is formed within the mass media whilst the less accepted variations are those created by group refusing to conform to the hegemonic values as coined by Gramsci. For example, the below examples of Women's Health and Men's Health are both old media texts from 2010 and appear as though they would focus on the same ideals due to the head noun of the headline "Health" but structuration ideas in society mean that media representation is more so than just that and is also responsible for constructing the ideal feminine female and masculine male. Women are encouraged to consider their weight and appearance through the use of lexis such as "Shrink" and "Bikini Body". To further this, the use of the word "Body" as opposed to focusing on the whole person places women in a position of sexual objectification as is discussed by Mulvey and her theory of "The Male Gaze". Additionally to this, the females magazine focuses on sex often from the perspective as how to please your male counterpart whilst all other stories on the front page relate again to appearance and how to fit societal ideals of feminine constructions of the female collective identity subculture. This could be due to the owners of the media being predominantly male, 22.6% of reporters were female to 77.4% male, meaning that the media conveys gender collective identity in cohesion with the constructed patriarchal ideas of a male dominated society made for the mass males. Similarly, the males magazine also delves into representations and constructions of the stereotypical male through reference of appearance and sex. This specific magazine constructs the male collective identity as masculine only when muscular, concerned about sex and training. Despite this, the magazine also conforms to Hansen's "The Female Gaze". Buckingham states that "to understand identities, one is required to investigate the ways in which media and technologies are used in everyday life and their effects" as is exemplified by the below magazines in reference to the everyday construction of identities reinforcing the structuration of the period.

The representation in the characters of Westley and Princess Buttercup in "The Princess Bride" both construct ideas on gender within the media and is an example of an old media text from 1987. Princess Buttercup is constructed by William Goldman as an archetypal character representing the stereotypical female gender collective identity. Buttercup is beautiful by definition of the media within the structuration of the period; she is a pale skinned, blonde and slim Princess who serves as the object of desire to be won by the both attractive and intelligent male exemplar Westley. The fairytale structure of the film places the genders in roles in accordance with Propp's narrative theory. Princess Buttercup is under the character type of "Princess" whilst Westley is the "Hero". Buttercup as the "Princess" is the prize to be won by the "Hero" after battling against perils. Also, once the relationship is established they exemplify the collective identity together in that they fit the 'straight white blonde couple' stereotype. Furthermore, the female lead would be expected to be independent and strong willed but instead Goldman employs a stereotypical novel fairytale character in film to exaggerate the cliche and thus challenge the societal structuration and ideologies at the time revolving around feminism as the film was released in second wave feminism. This links to Butler's (1990) idea of gender being exaggerated and "tongue in cheek". Moreover, Westley, as a male lead is the pinnacle of masculinity; he is, as voice by Earp and Katz (1999), the image of "manhood" in his dominance and battle prowess. This construction is a reinforcement of the ideas of the time although the stereotypical ideas are actually used to challenge society and encourage a new structuration which soon introduced the meterosexual male which could be seen in the magazine as outline above. 

In comparison, the protagonists of Ragnar and Lagertha in the modern media text "Vikings" from 2013 - present also convey varied perspectives of gender. Structuration over time changes, as voiced by Giddens, and thus the modern media representations of characters change too. As a result, despite the programme being set in the viking era, the characters are varied to the earlier 1987 text. Lagertha is a sheild-maiden and a farmer in a position of high power after marrying a power hungry, sexually driven and violent male Ragnar Lothbrok. Additionally, there is a scene when the vikings make a deal with King Ecbert in which a christian woman sattes her husband abused her after falsely accusing her of infidelity; the viking state that the female word is taken over males on realms of domesticity to whig the christian King asks "So the pagans are more advanced than us there?". Ragnar is known for his infidelity but is forgiven his cheating due to his position of power first as Earl and then King of the Danish vikings. The power hungry relationship established between Ragnar and his brother Rollo is one of violence and manipulation as they conform to the stereotypical male in their appearance and actions as according to Earp and Katz (1999) idea that within media "a widespread and disturbing equation of masculinity and pathological control and violence"; to elaborate, the male vikings are given right to any female in their service. Although, women are able to rule in positions of power and not concern themselves solely with their male counterparts. The reasons for some gender inequality may be as a result of the setting in the viking era whilst the representations and structuration of modern society can be seen in the dramatisation of some events and representation of the female gender which was not constructed by the media but instead influenced by now ancient history relating to earlier human ancestors. 

To conclude, it can be said as is voiced by Buckingham that "Media does not just offer a transparent window on the world but a mediated version of the world. They don't just present reality, they re-present it -" although it can also be created within the media. The outline media texts above conveying gender exemplify the possibility of construction of the ideal collective identity but collective identity as a concept itself cannot be created within the media.

Analysis Critical Perspectives: Media Notes: Gender -

Critical Perspectives: Gender - 

Definitions:

• Sex: Refers to biological and physiological characteristic that define men and women. 
• Gender: Refers to socially constructed roles, behaviours, activities and attributes that a given society considers appropriate for men and women. 
• Transgender: Denoting or relating to a person whose self-identity does not conform unambiguously to conventional notions of male or female gender.
• Misogyny: The dislike of, contempt for, or ingrained prejudice against women.
• Patriarchy: Male dominated society. 
• Metrosexual (1990s): Young single man with high disposable income, living in the city near to best shops. Is not gay but is often confused with being homosexual. He is objectified and sexualised as a sex object (against stereotypical ideas). 
• The Norm of Gender: White middle class heterosexual male. 
• Feminism: Campaign for equality of the sexes. 
• Post-Feminism: Feminism is a dead concept as it has been fazed out. 
• Dual Burden: Women balancing housework and paid work.
• Triple Shift: Women balancing housework, paid word and children/home life. 
• Invisible Work: Work not seen as a large role and completed quietly. For instance planning for birthdays etc. 
• Genderfuck: A term used to describe a person's gender identity (as in male, female, no gender, queer) or the act of consciously and conspicuously challenging traditional ideas of the gender binary through androgyny, hyperbole, and cross-dressing.

Masculinity:

• Strength (physical and mental)
• Power, sexual attractiveness (also based on power)
• Physique
• Independent (thought, action, finances)
• Isolated

Femininity:

• Beauty (narrow conventions)
• Size and physique (narrow convention)
• Sexuality (linked to prior qualities)
• Emotional (opposed to intellectual)
• Relationships (opposed to independence/ freedom) 

Other:

• Representation: The description or portrayal of someone or something in a particular way by the mass media. 
• Collective Identity: A social group who shares a set of norms and values. 
• Structuration: The process in which human agency, people, and social structure, society, are in a constant relationship. The social structure is reproduced by the repetition of acts by individuals which means that society is flexible and can change over time.
• Stereotypes: A biased and prejudiced understanding of a social group.

Textual Media Examples - 

The Lego company has created magazines for genders to accompany their toy ranges; the "girls" magazine is explicitly stated to be so as it is deviant from the male norm whilst "boys" magazine is not.

The "boys" magazine focus around action, superheroes and battles. Dark strong colours like reds, blues etc. 

The "girls" magazine focuses on fashion, relationships animals etc. Bright bold colours like pinks and lilacs etc. 

Strauss: Binary Opposites

"Female" magazine focuses on subordinate relationships with their male counterparts "how to mend a broken heart", how important appearance is "body confidence" and gossip society "celeb hair". 

"Male" magazine focuses on females as a sexual object for male desire "(AND ONE HOT WOMAN)", obsession with domination and power "MEN OF THE YEAR" etc. 

Mulvey: Females as an Accessory/ Sexual Object for Male Desire

Theorists for Males - 

Earp and Kats (1999):

Studies male representations in the media and found "a widespread and disturbing equation of masculinity and pathological control and violence".

Claim it is media responsible for the steady stream of images that define "manhood" connected with dominance, violence and control.

Metrosexual (1990s): 

Young single man with high disposable income, living in the city near to best shops. Is not gay but is often confused with being homosexual. He is objectified and sexualised as a sex object (against stereotypical ideas).

The Fool/ Buffoon: 

Well intentioned and light hearted, range from slightly inept to completely hopeless in work, parenting and domestic situation.

Theories for Females - 

Propp:

Females in media are the passive HELPER or OBJECT ( Often passivity extends to victimhood).

Women and Domesticity:

Women as housewives or mothers.

Women as sex objects represented to entertain and titilate the male.

Females in Magazines: 

Young, slim, overwhelmingly white and conforming to image of ideal beauty (perfect skin, hair and alluring gaze).

Theories in General - 

Vern and Bonnie Bullough (1993): 

Gender roles are equated with masculinity and femininity or male as provider and female as nurturer.

Gender Identity: Self conceived.

Gender Role: As it is perceived by others.

Judith Butler (1990): 

Gender is not the result of nature but is socially constructed.

Gender is often exaggerated "tongue in cheek" representation of masculinity and femininity. This causes 'gender trouble'.

Queer Theory: 

Challenges the traditional idea that there is a binary divide between gay and heterosexual and instead suggests that sexual identity if more fluid.

Heterosexual is constructed as the normal.

Steve Neal: Gay Gaze (1992):

Images which show men in passive, submissive, sexualised poses can be described as homoerotic. Usually the male will have their hands behind their heads in a pose which could suggest
submissiveness.

David Buckingham: Re-Present:

"Media does not just offer a transparent window on the world but a mediated version of the world. They don't just present reality, they re-present it -"

The Bechdel Test:

Questions - 

• How does society treat people who do not conform to gender norms?

Society believes that gender is based solely upon biological sex at birth despite the fact that gender is a social construct. Groups who do not conform are often made to seem invisible. However, in relation to structuration, societies ideologies are changing and improving over time. For instance the introduction of the gender neutral pronoun on university applications of "Mx". 

• What is our society's dominant ideology abut gender? 

The dominant ideology is that females are submissive, males are dominant and other gender groups are invisible. 

(Boy George) 

Boy George made an appearance on 'Top of the Pops' as part of a band and the audience were unsure of his gender for some time after that. The use of makeup stunned audiences. 

(David Bowie)

(Ruby Rose)

Further Notes - 

Women in Media:

"The average percentage of female reporters was 22.6% - compared to 77.4% of males - " Guardian (2011)

Women are a rarely in the role of owners of the media thus meaning that the construction of women in media is less likely to reflect collective identity.

Wonder Woman:
Feminist icon or sexual objectification?

The United Nations wanted to promote Wonder Woman to be an ambassador for women. This caused an uproar as:

• She is a fictional character without her own ideas, opinions and the ability to unite the people.
• Her ensemble is overtly sexually objectified.

Old Media:

New Media: