PORTRAYAL OF WOMEN IN MEDIA

Media in its various forms, whether newspapers, magazines, print ads, audiovisual or electronic, television, films, radio, internet, social media, has a strong influence and impact on the minds of audiences and society.

Over the years, media has been used to mold as well as change the perceptions of society. Whether through propaganda posts or informational posts, media is able to convert people into followers or vice versa.

The portrayal of women in media definitely influences and shapes the ideas and perceptions of women in a society.

Media can create awareness and sensitize the masses / the people about various issues pertaining to women. An affirmative image portrayed in media creates a positive environment towards women. However, a traditional and stereotypical image can also damage or degrade the status of women.

 

Negative role of Media

Women as sex symbols – Media misuse women as sex symbols to sell products through advertising. The negative role of women in television programs, films, web series can run down the image of women thus she becomes an object to ogle at.

Negative impact of beauty pageants – Women models portray an ideal face or an ideal figure. Skin color and size zero have become the norm and women struggle to keep up to these expectations which are highly impractical.

Stereotypical Image – the ideal vulnerable bahu and the shrewd cunning vamp are the two extremities portrayed by media. People tend to categorize women into either one of these roles and this is harmful to social development

 

Positive Role of Media

Awareness and sensitization – media, especially newspapers, journals, news channels, blogs, social media, help people become aware of the current status of women. Media helps sensitize readers, listeners and viewers about the issues faced by women. Great sensitivity must be exercised when reporting on cases of violence against women.

Media also helps in creating awareness as well as providing information a policies and programs for women.

Highlight women’s’ achievements – women achievers, whether as entrepreneurs, or artists can be given their due praise. Women achievers are seen in all fields today – science and technology, education, economy, industry, entertainment, art, literature, music, social work and even politics.

This helps create a positive image of women in the minds of people in society as well as encourages girls and women to look up to these achievers as role models.

Moreover, the more positive portrayal of women, the greater the sensitivity and change we will see in our society.

 

Read about Advertising and role of women in India by clicking the link:

https://sstuffsimplified.blogspot.com/2015/09/advertising-women-india.html