Gender, identity and advertising: blog tasks

David Gauntlett: academic reading

Read this extract from Media, Gender and Identity by David Gauntlett. This is another university-level piece of academic writing so it will be challenging - but there are some fascinating ideas here regarding the changing representation of men and women in the media.

1) What examples does Gauntlett provide of the "decline of tradition"?

The traditional view of a woman as a housewife or low-status worker has been kick-boxed out of the picture by the feisty, successful 'girl power' icons. Meanwhile the masculine ideals of absolute toughness, stubborn.

2) How does Gauntlett suggest the media influences the way we construct our own identities?

Popular media fosters the desire to create new modes of life - within the context of

capitalism. Whether one is happy with capitalism, or seeks its demise, it must surely be considered good if modern media is encouraging the overthrow of traditions which kept people within limiting compartments.

3) What does Gauntlett suggest regarding generational differences? Is it a good thing that the media seems to promote modern liberal values?

There are some generational differences. Surveys have found that people born in the first half of the twentieth century are less tolerant of homosexuality.

4) Why does Gauntlett suggest that masculinity is NOT in crisis?

5) Does advertising still reinforce the "conventionally rugged, super-independent, extra-strong macho man" that Gauntlett discusses?

 Offer examples for both sides of the argument from the wider advertising industry.

6) Gauntlett discusses the idea of 'girl power' and offers examples from music and film. Does advertising provide evidence to support the idea of 'girl power' or is the industry still reinforcing traditional representations of men and women?

7) Do you agree with Gauntlett's argument under 'Popular feminism, women and men' where he suggests that younger generations are not threatened by traditional gender roles and are comfortable with social changes? Does advertising provide examples either reinforcing or challenging this idea that younger generations are more comfortable with changing gender roles?

8) What examples from advertising does Gauntlett provide for the changing nature of gender in society (from the section on Judith Butler's Gender trouble)?

9) Why is advertising such a good example of the 'contradictory elements' that Gauntlett discusses with regards to the mass media? In other words, how does advertising continue to both reinforce and challenge gender stereotypes?

10) Finally, Gauntlett makes a clear case that things change and modern identities are increasingly fluid. What is your opinion on this debate - do you agree that the media reinforces the changing attitudes towards gender and sexuality in society?


Media Magazine: Andrew Tate - Masculinity in crisis?

Now read 'Tate Crime' - Media Magazine's analysis of the rise of online influencer Andrew Tate. You can find this in MM83 (p6) in our Media Magazine archive. Answer the following questions:

1) What is misogyny and how does it link to Andrew Tate?

Misogyny is hatred of, contempt for, or prejudice against women or girls. It links to Andrew Tate as he has made misogynist comments. He even claims to be ‘absolutely a misogynist’.

2) How does the article suggest Andrew Tate used social media to build up his reputation and following?

3) Does Andrew Tate's popularity suggest there is in fact a 'crisis in masculinity' - disagreeing with David Gauntlett's view?