Gender Representation in Media: A Comparative Analysis

1.  Watch the video “Codes of Gender,” which will serve as your “literature review.”

Your research question – Is Goffman’s research still an accurate representation of gender related media images today?

2. Summarize Goffman’s ideas re: sex vs. gender; gender as social construct vs. “natural” sexuality  male-masculine vs. female-feminine media portrayals (2 marks); and the impact of media images on social behaviour – include commercial realism, perfection and social/sexual identity, gender codes, the confusion surrounding androgyny, gender based violence, and the need for female athletes to confirm their “femininity”

3. Using Systematic Observation, observe and reflect on media advertisements as you go about your day. Make a list of at least 10 of your observations – this is your data collection, so use specific examples and state your sources.

4.  Use self-reflection. Take note of your own thoughts, attitudes and behaviours as you go through this research process. Think about your emotional responses to the media images and about how you yourself “do gender.” Notice any examples of gender displays that you see in your own life.

5. Analyze your data, noting the presence or absence of the gender related behaviours. Your analysis must state which of the examples align with Erving Goffman’s analysis and which do not, and why (or why not). Look specifically for the gender displays that Goffman describes.

6.  After analyzing the data, write a brief summary of your research process and your conclusions. Be sure to answer the research question in your conclusion.