The term "sex" refers to biological differences between males and females while "gender" is a cultural construct that society creates based on these physical characteristics. Sexuality is an individual's physical and emotional attraction towards another person of any sex, whether it be male, female, or non-binary.
Gender roles are socially constructed norms for behavior, appearance, and expectations associated with one's sex. These roles can vary greatly from culture to culture but often include the expectation that men should be strong, aggressive, and dominant while women should be nurturing, submissive, and feminine. Gender identity is how an individual perceives their own gender; this may differ from their assigned sex at birth. Sexual orientation describes whom someone finds physically and emotionally attractive.
Mainstream media plays an important role in shaping public perceptions about gender, sexuality, and identity. Television shows, movies, magazines, newspapers, and social media all contribute to creating and reinforcing social norms regarding these topics.
Some media outlets challenge traditional norms by portraying characters who defy stereotypes.
Television series such as Orange Is The New Black feature LGBTQ+ characters, and movies like Moonlight depict transgender experiences.
Social media platforms also play a significant role in shaping identities through user interaction and content creation. Platforms like TikTok have become popular for sharing stories about coming out or celebrating queer relationships. In addition, influencers use their platforms to create content around topics related to gender, sexuality, and identity, which helps normalize them for viewers.
Mainstream media representations of gender, sexuality, and identity can both reinforce and contest social norms. While traditional media tends to present a narrow range of options, new forms of media are challenging these assumptions and creating space for diverse voices.
It's up to consumers to decide what messages they want to support and promote.
How do mainstream media representations reinforce or contest social norms regarding gender, sexuality, and identity?
Mainstream media has played a significant role in reinforcing or contesting gender stereotypes. One example is that women are portrayed as being weak, submissive, and dependent on men while men have been depicted as powerful, dominant, and aggressive. This has led to the idea that women should be confined within certain roles such as homemakers, mothers, and caretakers of children.