Media Influences on Gender Stereotypes

Pages: 121-125
Meagan Fernandez and Madhavi Menon (Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL)

Modern society is very heavily influenced by the media, be it television, video, newspapers, movies, the internet, or social media. The media is responsible for the dissemination of information as well as shaping attitudes and belief systems. The media’s influence on gender stereotypes has affected how many individuals view the different genders and has also impacted how individuals behave in accordance with prevalent gender norms and stereotypes. The media has constructed gender norms, definitions of masculinity and femininity, general stereotypes, and the overall image of how each gender should be. It depicts activities that may not be appropriate or safe, but it normalizes them for each gender, thereby establishing norms that impact persons who may or may not adhere to these ideas and standards. The current paper reviews the literature with a special focus on the impact of varied media on the development and maintenance of gender stereotypes and behaviors.