Gender inequality and generalization is something that has constantly plagued the screen. The portrayal of women and men adheres very closely to the typical gender stereotypes. There is a stark lack of women on the screen as well as off the screen behind the camera. Overall, there are limited opportunities for women in the field. The three videos provide background knowledge on this topic before we divide into the two main issues within gender stereotyping: the reinforcement of stereotypes at a young age and the inaccurate redesigning and portrayal of women in television.
Video Gallery
Below is a series of videos that give general explanations of the gender equality in the entertainment media sector, specifically in Hollywood.
Teaching Children Gender Ideology
Many children spend at least some of their time watching different movies and television shows. These films can be beneficial as there are often elements that teach skills such as counting, learning colors, and manners as some examples. It is also good for the children to watch characters interact within their friendships as it helps them grow their social skills.
Another thing that children gain from these films are their ideas of gender ideology. Gender ideologies are defined as, "the beliefs and attitudes that individuals internalize from their society, where the individual views different behaviors and responsibilities as appropriate for either men or women" (Combe p. 205). A lot of how children form these ideologies is through what they see on the screen.
Disney is one of the main producers of children's movies. What are these movies teaching girls about their expectations and their worth? What are they teaching girls about what to expect from men and vice versa? A study done on Disney movies showed that even though the princesses were considered to be the main characters, they still had less lines than their male counterparts. Also, when complimented, the princesses were told that they were beautiful and the princes were told they were strong and heroic. Both were praised, but for different things. It teaches young girls that in order to be important they must be pretty and it teaches young boys that they must always be strong. Neither are true, as people can be who they want to be, and separating the two genders characteristics so harshly at such a young age leaves a lasting impression on those consuming the information.
Redesigning the Woman in Television
The ideologies taught to young children are reinforced into adulthood especially through the use of television sitcoms. Television is a powerful source of information and what is communicated can then be interpreted by the audience to support gender stereotypes.
Things have slightly changed in years past to include the depiction of women in the workforce, but there are still issues. The competitive dynamics of television leads for groups to not want to stray away from the norm therefore halting change and progress.
Typically when women are in the workforce they are holding traditionally "feminine" jobs. Take the show "New Girl" for example. The male characters have jobs such as cops, a bar owner, and a business man. The women characters are teachers and models almost exclusively. When there is a female character who is a pharmaceutical rep, she is seen as cold and less womanly and inviting as the other two many female characters.
There are now a mix in who portrays the role of a journalist or newscaster in any given television series, but it is important to pay attention to what these people are reporting on. If the news story pertains to a heart-warming or heart-wrenching story about family and love, then the reporter is typically female. On the other hand, if the story is about war, crime, or anything having to do with violence, then a male reporter is telling the story.
Law and Order SVU is a popular television series that attempts to disrupt gender stereotypes by placing women in the typically once male-dominated world of crime. However, the series still adheres to the stereotypes in the idea that the female characters are typically the ones with the nurturing actions and remorseful feelings. In the same light, one of the main male characters of the show, Elliot, is portrayed as a dead-beat workaholic dad. Neither are overarching generalizations that can be made about either gender, yet they are depicted in this way.
Women are now in the workforce, but that just gives them something else to struggle with in the storyline. Typically this issues relates to the fact that they work. They work so much they don't have time for the family. They work so much they don't have time for a boyfriend. They work so much they feel as though they are missing out on life. Why can't women have a job and be happy?
The competitive dynamics of television leads for groups to not want to stray away from the norm therefore halting change and progress.