The portrayal of men and women in various media such as movies, television shows, magazines, books, and online platforms has been a subject of much debate for decades. This is due to the fact that these portrayals often have an impact on the way society views and interacts with each other when it comes to gendered sexual norms, roles, and relational expectations.
Some researchers suggest that traditional gender roles, which are often reflected in media portrayals, can be harmful to both men and women. These roles are based on outdated ideas about masculinity and femininity, and they limit individuals from fully expressing themselves. The idealized images of men and women presented in media also reinforce harmful stereotypes and create unrealistic expectations. On the other hand, there are also instances where media challenges gendered sexual norms and roles by showing diverse representations of men and women who defy social norms and break gender binaries. In this article, we will explore how media portrayals reinforce, distort, or challenge gendered sexual norms, roles, and relational expectations.
One of the ways media reinforces gendered sexual norms is through the objectification of women. Women are often depicted as sex objects whose main purpose is to please men physically. They are expected to be beautiful, thin, and submissive. Media often presents women as hyper-sexualized beings who exist solely for male pleasure. Movies like "Fifty Shades of Grey" and "Magic Mike" are examples of films that glorify objectification and fetishization. Another way media reinforces gendered sexual norms is through the perpetuation of sexual violence against women. Rape culture is a pervasive issue in many media forms, including video games, television shows, and music videos. This kind of content desensitizes viewers and normalizes sexual violence towards women.
Some media outlets have challenged traditional gender roles and norms.
The television show "Billions" features two queer characters, Axe Caplin (Damian Lewis) and Taylor Mason (Asia Kate Dillon), who defy typical gender expressions. The show portrays them as successful businessmen who do not conform to gender stereotypes. Similarly, the book "The Miseducation of Cameron Post" by Emily Danforth depicts lesbian relationships in an authentic manner without sensationalizing it. It also explores the impact of homophobia on LGBTQ+ individuals. In this case, media distorts traditional gendered sexual norms, thereby creating more inclusivity.
Media has the power to shape our perceptions of gendered sexual norms, roles, and relational expectations. While there are instances where media challenges these norms, it also reinforces them, particularly through the objectification of women and the normalization of rape culture. Therefore, it is crucial for creators to be mindful of their representations and promote diversity and inclusion in their work. By doing so, we can create a society that values equality and respect between men and women.
To what extent do media portrayals reinforce, distort, or challenge gendered sexual norms, roles, and relational expectations?
Gendered sexual norms, roles, and relational expectations are commonly depicted in various forms of mass media such as television shows, films, music videos, social media posts, and advertisements. In today's highly diverse and technologically advanced society, traditional gender roles and sex stereotypes continue to be perpetuated through media images that are often idealized and unrealistic.