Exploring Social Media's Influence on

Gender Construction

Gender and Society Midterm Requirement

Submitted by:
Adobo, Estafanie R.
Alibanggo, Piolo
Sosoban, Jaimie M.
Chato, Jose

Submitted to:
Ms. Myriflor A. Miranda
I. INTRODUCTION

Media is a powerful tool in shaping perceptions and constructing societal norms. From tel
evision shows and movies to social media and news outlets, media influences how gender roles a
re defined and understood. Historically, it has both reinforced and challenged traditional gender s
tereotypes, showcasing men and women in roles that often reflect or push against societal expect
ations.
In today’s rapidly evolving media landscape, the portrayal of gender is more critical than
ever. Media can perpetuate outdated stereotypes or serve as a platform for more diverse and inclu
sive representations. For instance, the rise of streaming services and social media platforms has a
llowed for a broader range of voices and stories, highlighting the complexities of gender identity
and expression.
Understanding the media’s role in gender construction is essential for fostering a more in
clusive society. By critically engaging with media content, we can recognize and challenge the st
ereotypes and norms that limit gender equality, and advocate for more accurate and diverse portr
ayals. The intersection of media and gender is not just about representation; it’s about the power
to shape perceptions and inspire change.

II. METHODOLOGY, DATA ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS

A. Methodology
This study involves 15 randomly chosen participants aged 18-35, aiming to explore how
social media shapes gender construction. Data collection includes online surveys and video call
interviews. The surveys feature questions about social media use and perceptions of gender roles,
while interviews delve into personal experiences with gender content on social media. The
survey responses are summarized and analyzed for patterns, while interview transcripts are
examined to identify common themes. Ethical considerations ensure participants are informed
about the study, their identities are kept confidential, and participation is voluntary. While the
small sample size may not represent the broader population and self-reported data might not be
entirely accurate, this study provides valuable insights into the impact of social media on gender
perceptions through a mix of numerical data and personal stories.
B. Findings, Data Analysis and Discussion

i. Media's Role in Shaping Gender Roles

All participants agree that media plays a significant role in shaping how people
understand gender roles and expectations. They mention how repeated exposure to specific
depictions of gender in media (e.g., men as strong and women as nurturing) influences
perceptions.
Examples given include the portrayal of women in caregiving roles and men in positions
of strength or authority, reinforcing societal expectations of how each gender should behave.
ii. Reinforcement of Traditional Gender Stereotypes
Most participants assert that media continues to reinforce traditional gender stereotypes.
They highlight how men are typically portrayed as breadwinners, while women are depicted as
caregivers or in domestic roles. Examples from advertisements, TV shows, and social media are
frequently cited.
However, there’s also an acknowledgment of generational shifts, where younger
audiences may challenge these stereotypes, though older generations may still uphold them.
iii. Impact of Specific Media Practices
Common practices such as casting choices, the portrayal of characters in stereotypical
roles, and underrepresentation of women in leadership or technical roles were identified as major
influences on gender perception.
Gendered language and unequal representation of women in powerful positions within
media, as well as the exclusion or limited portrayal of diverse gender identities (e.g., non-binary
or trans), were highlighted as contributing factors to maintaining narrow views of gender.

iv. Media's Promotion of Equality vs. Inequality

There is a general consensus that media can both promote gender equality and reinforce
inequality. Positive examples, like shows portraying strong, independent women or gender role
reversals (e.g., stay-at-home dads), were mentioned as progress.
However, many participants feel that despite some progress, much of the media still
perpetuates inequality by reinforcing traditional roles and limiting diverse gender
representations.

Media is often criticized for its portrayal of couples, as it most commonly depicts men
and women in traditional roles, Collins (2011) reviewed 18 different empirical articles
concerning women in media. She found that women are grossly underrepresented in all types of
media (2011). When women are present, they are scantily clad, sexualized, and subjugated to
stereotypical roles (Collins 2011). Their roles include homemakers, nonprofessionals, wives,
mothers, and sex objects (Collins 2011). Men, who are overrepresented in all forms of media, are
portrayed as the breadwinners, professionals and office workers, and authority figures (Collins
2011). Social cognitive theory suggests people learn from the behaviors that are portrayed in
media and that this affects the attributes and actions associated with gender roles (Collins 2011).
It can be detrimental for children and adolescents to only see men and women portrayed in the
traditional sense, which is not necessarily reflective of current cultural beliefs and practices.

C. Evidences

Media shapes gender roles by consistently showcasing certain behaviors, appearances,

and expectations for men and women. Here are some examples and evidence of how this plays
out:

Television and Film: Historically, women have often been portrayed in domestic roles or as
objects of desire, while men are depicted as strong, assertive leaders. For instance, 1950s TV
shows like "Leave It to Beaver" reinforced the ideal of the stay-at-home mom. Contrast that with
recent shows like "The Handmaid's Tale," which critiques these traditional roles and explores
gender power dynamics.

Advertising: Ads often rely on gender stereotypes to sell products. A study by the Geena Davis
Institute on Gender in Media found that women in commercials are often shown as homemakers,
while men are more likely to be portrayed in professional settings. This reinforces outdated
notions of gender roles.
Music Videos: These can perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Research by the American
Psychological Association highlights how music videos often depict women as sexual objects
and men as aggressive and dominant. This can influence young viewers' perceptions of gender
norms.
Social Media: Platforms like Instagram and TikTok can both challenge and reinforce gender
norms. Influencers who break traditional gender roles can inspire followers to do the same, but
the pressure to conform to beauty standards and gender norms is also prevalent.
News Media: Coverage of men and women often differs significantly. Studies, like those from
the Global Media Monitoring Project, show that women are underrepresented in news stories,
particularly in roles of authority or expertise.
Children’s Media: Cartoons and children's shows often start the gender role indoctrination
early. Shows like the early "Disney Princess" movies typically featured damsels in distress,
which can shape young girls' views of needing to be rescued. Conversely, shows like "She-Ra
and the Princesses of Power" offer a refreshing take by showcasing strong, independent female
characters.
Video Games: The gaming industry has faced criticism for its portrayal of gender. Women are
often depicted in highly sexualized ways, with games like the early "Tomb Raider" series
featuring an exaggerated Lara Croft. However, more recent games like "The Last of Us Part II"
have been praised for their complex and realistic female protagonists.
Literature: Books are another medium through which gender roles are communicated. Classic
literature often portrays women in limited roles. For example, in "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane
Austen, marriage is depicted as the main goal for women. Modern literature, however, like
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s "We Should All Be Feminists," actively challenges and redefines
these roles.
Fashion Magazines: Publications like "Vogue" and "Cosmopolitan" have historically set strict
beauty standards and gender expectations. They promote certain body types and lifestyles as the
ideal, which can pressure individuals to conform. Yet, the rise of body-positive movements has
seen more inclusive representation in these magazines.
Podcasts and Talk Shows: Audio media also play a role. Programs like "The Joe Rogan
Experience" often perpetuate traditional masculine stereotypes, while others like "The Guilty
Feminist" podcast explore and challenge traditional notions of femininity and gender roles.

These examples show how pervasive and influential media can be in shaping our
perceptions of gender. It’s all about recognizing these patterns and pushing for change to achieve
more balanced and diverse representations.

III. Conclusion

The media profoundly impacts gender construction through representation, gender roles,
beauty standards, language, socialization, and identity formation. It perpetuates gender
stereotypes, shapes expectations, and influences self-expression. However, changing trends offer
hope for progress. There's increased diversity and inclusivity in representation, challenging
traditional gender roles and stereotypes. Beauty standards are shifting towards body positivity
and realism. Gender-neutral and non-binary representation is growing, and social media enables
gender expression and identity exploration. Despite persistent harmful stereotypes and biases,
greater scrutiny and critical examination are driving positive change. Ongoing efforts towards
inclusive representation and critical media literacy are essential for promoting gender equality
and empowerment.
IV. REFERENCES

 Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from
https://geenadavisinstitute.org/about-us/

 American Psychological Association. (2020). Music's Power: The Role of Music

Videos. Monitor on Psychology. Retrieved from
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/11/news-music-power

 World Association for Christian Communication. (n.d.). Global Media Monitoring

Project. Retrieved from https://waccglobal.org/our-work/global-media-monitoring-
project-gmmp/