Analysis of Sexism in the Media: Theories and Possible Solutions

This essay provides a comprehensive analysis of sexism in the media. It begins by defining sexism and highlighting its prevalence, particularly the portrayal of women as inferior and sexual objects. The essay investigates the scope of sexism, exploring the impact of stereotypes and gender inequality. It examines the theoretical framework, including the male gaze theory and the concepts of hostile and benevolent sexism. The methodology involves a literature synthesis using scholarly articles and authoritative media sources. The conclusion emphasizes the need for media channels to uplift women's image, promote gender equality, and combat sexism. The essay underscores that addressing sexism requires sustained efforts from various parties, particularly the media, and highlights the importance of ongoing research and studies to mitigate its effects.

Running head: SEXISM IN THE MEDIA
Sexism in the Media
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SEXISM IN THE MEDIA
Sexism in the Media
Introduction
Sexism is a general term referring to prejudice or stigma towards an individual’s sex. The
name covers both men and women, but sexism towards women is more common (Gervais &
Hillard, 2014). This observation is supported by the multimedia report on gender and media.
Women are reflected as inferior people with a lower value than men. They are also portrayed as
sexual objects and there to serve as men’s pleasure. Sexism entails viewing one sex as superior
to the other (Bligh et al., 2012) In this report, the male gaze theory indicates that men define
women according to their opinion. In return, women should accept it and begin perceiving
themselves according to men’s views. The media undermines women’s integrity by showing
they are comfortable being used as sexual figures (Bissler & Conners, 2012). Sexism towards
women is a challenge that has existed for centuries. The 21st century has brought a lot of
progress on this issue, but the problem is yet to be resolved.
Aim
The purpose of this project is to investigate:
1. The scope of women-related sexism
2. Theories explaining sexism towards women
3. Possible solutions for sexism
Literature Review
According to Butler-Wall, Cosier, and Harper (2016), sexism has been linked to other
prejudicial practices such as stereotyping and gender inequality. Stereotyping is making a
generalized assumption about a group of people with particular traits. These assumptions are
mainly inaccurate, and they tend to misrepresent the individuals (Wilson, Gutiérrez & Chao,
2017). Women do not enjoy video game is an appropriate example of a stereotype. Many women
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play video games and enjoy them. The stereotype suggests that all women do not like video
games, which is a misleading perception. Stereotyping has primarily contributed to sexism in
women by propagating false and inaccurate beliefs about women (Bligh et al., 2012).
Gender inequality contributes to sexism through gender roles. These roles are perceived
generally ideal and acceptable to given sex. In particular, gender roles are based on masculinity
and femininity. However, variations and exceptions exist in specific areas. Specific factors such
as biological, culture and personal decisions determine gender roles (Bissler & Conners, 2012).
This subject of gender roles has been an ongoing issue, especially on how it contributes to
sexism among women. Some cultures have defined roles for women that encourage
discrimination and prejudice.
Various movements identified the effect of gender roles on sexism and began petitioning
for change. Roles that cause oppression and misrepresent women ought to be eliminated
(Cooper, 2015). The world is changing, and women have proven to be capable of doing more
than the traditional roles. Resolving sexism towards women is not an accomplishment that will
be made in the short term. It is work in progress that must begin from somewhere. The first step
could be not limiting women to particular scopes of their roles. Women deserve the entitlement
of defining themselves as individuals (Wylie, 2016). They should have unlimited opportunities
of serving the families, communities and the entire nation. According to women the esteem they
deserve will end stereotyping and inferiority perceptions towards them.
Theoretical Framework
The theoretical framework explaining sexism states that it has two components. Wilson,
Gutiérrez, and Chao (2017), state that ambivalent sexism holds hostile and benevolent sexism as
the two components. Generally, hostile sexism is about negative perceptions and evaluations
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about a gender. In this case, the negatives are about women. Hostile sexism entails portraying
women as inferior and incompetent to men. This part of the theory is depicted in the media
report. The image of the woman has been used in an inferior manner. The role of the woman in
the advertisement, film, and the male gaze theory and in music is demeaning.
According to these illustrations, a woman place is to help a man achieve his objectives. A
woman is not an instrument of pleasing a man and fulfilling his desires. This treatment towards
women is unjust and oppressive to them. However, the woman has a role in this problem. She
has agreed to participate in degrading her image. Ending sexism towards women will require
them to uphold a particular stand and cease engaging in practices that ruin their image (Hilton-
Morrow & Battles, 2015).
Benevolent sexism includes practices that seem positive and supportive of women.
However, they are not beneficial in the real sense. Most of them are limiting the women and
undermining them (Wilson, Gutiérrez & Chao, 2017). Others are methods of control disguised as
kind deeds to women. For example, the society has the idea of women requiring protection. To
women who do not agree, it is undermining them by suggesting they are incapable of their
wellbeing. Some men will make personal decisions for women and claim they are concerned and
caring. If the women in question do not want, it will be men showing unnecessary dominion.
Benevolent sexism could be confusing and hence, be misinterpreted for something good. The
ideal solution is to identify when it happens and address where possible.
Method
Sexism is a broad topic and one that has been studied for a long time. Its vast scope
covers various spheres of people’s lives. It is present in education, families, marriages,
relationships, workplaces and politics and other areas. Literature synthesis is an appropriate
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method of keeping up with the newly emerging knowledge of this issue. This method entails
using available and credible sources on this topic. They could be scholarly journal articles,
academic books and news from authoritative media sources.
The information from all these sources will be useful in learning new trends, progress or
regress and issues requiring attention. Literature synthesis is helpful for individuals who need to
conduct research. It will provide a foundation for offering literature review. The method would
also guide other elements of research such as objectives, questions, theoretical framework and
creating the hypothesis.
Conclusion
After analyzing the media report, it is accurate to conclude that the society is prejudicial
towards women. This practice has been happening for centuries, yet not much was done until the
21st century. Sexism, in particular, has deprived women their rights and ideal position in the
society. Due to sexism, women are viewed as inferior people and incompetent (Hitching-Hales,
2017). They are also stereotyped in numerous other ways. These misconceptions have
discouraged women and oppressed them. Some of them have lived their lives believing they
should settle for less.
Sexism could be towards men or women, but societies extend it more to women and girls
than men (Gervais & Hillard, 2014). Addressing this problem will have to be an effort from
various parties. One of those essential parties is the media. When multiple media channels
propagate sexism towards women, it aggravates the situation. People believe the media and rely
on it for information. Therefore, media channels should increase messages uplifting the image
and perception of a woman. Additionally, it should shun sexism and promote gender equality.
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The subject of sexism is a significant issue that will be resolved continually. The timeframe is
unknown, considering campaigns against it has been happening for years. The fight against it
will require studies and research in various aspects of concern. The findings will significantly
contribute to mitigating the effects of sexism in the societies.
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References
Bissler, D. L., & Conners, J. L. (2012). The harms of crime media: Essays on the perpetuation of
racism, sexism and class stereotypes. Jefferson, N.C: McFarland.
Bligh, M.C. et al (2012). Comptent enough, but would you vote for her? Gender stereotypes and
media influences on perceptions of women politicians. Journal of applied social
psychology. Vol 42 (3) p.560-597.
Butler-Wall, A., Cosier, K., & Harper, R. L. S. (2016). Rethinking sexism, gender, and sexuality.
Wisconsin: A Rethinking Schools Publication.
Cooper, Y. (2015). Online sexism is so out of control that we can no longer ignore it. Retrieved
from: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/dec/16/online-sexism-social-
media-debate-abuse
Gervais, S. J., & Hillard, A. L. (2014). Confronting Sexism as Persuasion: Effects of a
Confrontation's Recipient, Source, Message, and Context. Journal of Social Issues, 70, 4,
653-667.
Hilton-Morrow, W., & Battles, K. (2015). Sexual identities and the media: An introduction. New
York: Routledge.
Hitching-Hales (2017). Who knew, eh? Study says sexism in the media puts women off politics.
Retrieved from: https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/uk-media-sexism-women-
politics-equality-girlguidin/
Wilson, C. C., Gutiérrez, F., & Chao, L. M. (2017). Racism, sexism, and the media:
Multicultural issues into the new communications age. California: Sage Publications.
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Wylie, C. (2016) Sexist slant in media representation of women ‘need to change ’Retrieved
from: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/sexism-latest-theresa-may-meghan-
markle-hillary-clinton-angela-merkel-everyday-sexism-laura-bates-a7501491.html
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