Topic Summaries

Media representations

A-Level > Sociology > AQA > A Level Sociology Topic Summaries > The media > Media representations
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Exam overview
  • Gender: (👤 Mulvey, 1975) media often uses the male gaze, objectifying women.
    • Changing norms mean some women now use media for empowerment.
  • Ethnicity: (👤 Hall, 1995) ethnic minorities are often represented through stereotypes such as the criminal or the exotic.
    • Increasing diversity in media challenges older stereotypes.
  • Social class: (👤 Newman, 2010) working-class people often depicted as welfare-dependent or criminal.
    • Some reality TV shows celebrate working-class culture.
  • Age: (👤 Wayne, 2008) young people overrepresented as a social problem.
    • Social media offers more positive youth portrayals.
  • Sexuality: (👤 Batchelor, 2004) LGBTQ+ identities often marginalised or tokenised.
    • Representation improving in mainstream media.
  • Disability: (👤 Barnes, 1992) common stereotypes include pity, charity, and villainy.
    • Campaigns and activism are challenging these portrayals.

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