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Gender and Media

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Gender and mediahis page provides an introduction to some key concepts

underlying this guide, namely:

 What are sex and gender?


 What is gender equality?
 What is the role of media in gender equality?

What are sex and gender?

Sex: refers to the biological characteristics differentiating male and female bodies.
Key differences exist between typical male and female hormone levels, genetics and
genitalia. Male and female biological sex characteristics are consistent across all
cultures and societies.

Gender refers to how the different roles, norms and relations regarding men and
women are perceived in society. The positions of men and women, and the
expectations about what is masculine and feminine depend on social and cultural
contexts and are not set in stone. The concept of gender is not biologically
determined, but constructed by society and individuals. This means that perceptions
of gender are constantly evolving, and can differ significantly between cultures,
countries and generations.

Gender determines what is expected, allowed and valued in a woman or a man in


a given context. For example, in many societies’ women are more likely to be
expected to perform housework and child-rearing duties while men face greater
pressures to earn an income to provide for a family. Women may be seen as
sensitive and caring while men are perceived as strong. Women can wear skirts, but
men do not.

Gender, sex and diversity

It is important to recognise that not everyone fits into the binary categories of ‘male
or female’ and ‘man or woman’. In relation to sex, most people will be born with
biological characteristics defining them as clearly male or female. However,
occasionally people are born as intersex, having non-typical or mixed biological sex
characteristics. In relation to gender, most people are cisgender, meaning their
gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth. However, some people
are transgender, identifying as a different gender than the sex they were assigned at
birth. For example, someone may identify as a man despite having been born with
female sex characteristics. Additionally, some people do not see themselves as
being exclusively a man or a women, and may identify as non-binary or gender-
queer

What is gender equality?

Due to gendered roles, norms and expectations, men and women often do not
share the same opportunities, resources and positions in society. Men tend to be
seen as the ‘standard’, while women, and the contributions they make to society, can
be invisible.

Gender equality means that women and men enjoy the same levels of respect and
status in society. It also means people of all genders have the same entitlements to
human rights, access to opportunities and abilities to make choices about their lives.

Ultimately, promoting gender equality means transforming the power relations


between women and men in order to create a more just society for all.

What is the role of media in gender equality?

Media play an important role in how people form their identities, social norms and
values in relation to gender. Research shows that from a young age, children are
influenced by the gendered stereotypes that media present to them. For example,
Plan International and the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media conclude that
girls and young women lose confidence and ambition if they do not see role models
and women as leaders on screens.

Gender inequality in media content

exists through both the under-representation and mis-representation of women. Men


are far more likely to be visible as journalists, experts and subjects than women, and
also to be portrayed in a way that values their opinions, experiences and
professions.

Gender inequality is also clearly visible within media institutions.

Even though an increasing number of women are studying and entering the
journalism profession, they continue to face significant barriers to safety, support and
career progression, and remain underrepresented in the sector.

Gender inequalities that are present across many aspects of society are reflected in
the media. Media can perpetuate gender inequalities, but also have the power to
address and challenge them. There is an enormous potential for media to show
more balanced, inclusive and diverse portrayals of gender, thereby contributing to a
more just society.

This guide is dedicated to exploring the relationships between gender and media,
and the crucial role that media practitioners and organisations play in working
towards gender equality.

Explore the different topics in this guide


In the guide you can find specific strategies, tools and resources to tackle the issues
outlined above.
Gender equality in media content

Worldwide, women are underrepresented in the media and often portrayed in


stereotypical ways. There is an enormous potential for media to show a wider variety
of roles and behaviors of people of all genders, thereby challenging gender
inequalities and expanding the range of people society looks up to as role models.

Explore this section to find out about different strategies to promote gender equality
in media content.

Gender equality in the media sector

Gender inequality is clearly visible in the media sector and journalism profession.
Women are usually a minority in media organisations, especially in high-level and
decision-making positions. Women journalists face unique barriers and safety risks.

Explore this section to find out more about different strategies related to gender in
the media sector and workplace.

Campaigning and advocacy

Campaigning and advocacy are crucial to achieving the legislative and policy
environments necessary for gender equality in the media.

Explore this section to find out about different mechanisms and movements being
used around the world.

Gender mainstreaming

When working on a media development project, it is crucial to mainstream gender


within its design, implementation and evaluation.

Explore this section to find out how gender mainstreaming can address the concerns
and needs of both men and women within every stage of the project cycle.

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