Mainstream Media and Gender Stereotyping
Katherine Pomykacz [996888783]
Media Lab 7: Feminist Analysis
Mainstream Media and Gender Stereotyping
It is well understood that the mass media holds the power to reinforce dominant social understandings of males and females, further producing discriminating social systems (Ott, 2010, p. 180).
This is done through the media’s ability to naturalize the link between various biological traits (born by males and females) with gender norms (of femininity and masculinity). Stereotyping can occur when a
“misleading or simplified representation” is produced, usually by blending realistic aspects of life, material conditions and social roles (Ott, 2010, p. 180). These categories of gender stereotyping can be identified through such popular television shows as: The Simpsons and The Honeymooners.
The popular sitcom entitled, The Simpsons depicts an American working class nuclear family that
“define culture, society, way of thinking, and exploits the problems that Americans face every day” (Hodge, 1999, p.1). Within the episode: “Homer Alone”, the characters will resemble the typical gender and family roles, and at times contradict them through their actions and personalities (Hartman,
2009).
The first scene opens with a sped-up version of Marge’s (Homer’s Wife) daily routine. The combination of cooking, cleaning, and taking care of her three children and husband lead to her breaking point (Hartman, 2009). At this point, it is evident that “the price of motherhood” entails overworking and under-appreciation from her family (Hartman, 2009). Marge decides to travel on a relaxing vacation, leaving her household duties to her husband (Homer), and childrearing to her sisters. During her leave,
Homer struggles with tending to the children and keeping the house in order. Once Marge returns home, the family realizes how much they missed and need her to properly function as a family (Hartman, 2009).
The episode does highlight the intense labour involved with
Media Lab 7: Feminist Analysis
Mainstream Media and Gender Stereotyping
It is well understood that the mass media holds the power to reinforce dominant social understandings of males and females, further producing discriminating social systems (Ott, 2010, p. 180).
This is done through the media’s ability to naturalize the link between various biological traits (born by males and females) with gender norms (of femininity and masculinity). Stereotyping can occur when a
“misleading or simplified representation” is produced, usually by blending realistic aspects of life, material conditions and social roles (Ott, 2010, p. 180). These categories of gender stereotyping can be identified through such popular television shows as: The Simpsons and The Honeymooners.
The popular sitcom entitled, The Simpsons depicts an American working class nuclear family that
“define culture, society, way of thinking, and exploits the problems that Americans face every day” (Hodge, 1999, p.1). Within the episode: “Homer Alone”, the characters will resemble the typical gender and family roles, and at times contradict them through their actions and personalities (Hartman,
2009).
The first scene opens with a sped-up version of Marge’s (Homer’s Wife) daily routine. The combination of cooking, cleaning, and taking care of her three children and husband lead to her breaking point (Hartman, 2009). At this point, it is evident that “the price of motherhood” entails overworking and under-appreciation from her family (Hartman, 2009). Marge decides to travel on a relaxing vacation, leaving her household duties to her husband (Homer), and childrearing to her sisters. During her leave,
Homer struggles with tending to the children and keeping the house in order. Once Marge returns home, the family realizes how much they missed and need her to properly function as a family (Hartman, 2009).
The episode does highlight the intense labour involved with