Feminist Theory

Media Magazine reading - two articles on feminism and theory

1) What examples are provided from the two texts of the 'male gaze' (Mulvey)?

Why Don't You Love Me and Pan Am

2) Do texts such as these show there is no longer a need for feminism or are they simply sexism in a different form?

It's complicated. It can either be shown as women showing a display of power doing the things men did to them, but it can also just be seen as a continuation of how things were before.

3) Choose three words/phrases from the glossary of the article and write their definitions on your blog.

Feminism - A movement aimed at defining, establishing and defending women's rights and equality to men

Post-feminism -  An ideology in culture and society that society is somehow past needing feminism and that the attitudes and arguments of feminism are no longer needed

Patriarchy - An ideology that places men in a more dominant position over women 

Now read The Theory Drop: Gender Performativity (MM69, page 25) and answer the following questions.

1) How does the writer suggest gender performativity is established from a young age?

It's taught to us from external influences and it's engrained at such a young age that we mistake it as "nature".

2) What does the phrase 'non-binary' refer to and how does it link to Butler's theory?

Non-binary refers to someone who doesn't associate themselves as male or female. It relates to Butler's theory as it subverts the way how gender is meant to be a performance - young people can choose to be who they want rather than people molding them into what they want them to be.

3) How and why does the media help reinforce gender stereotypes? The writer provides several examples in the final section of the article.

The media helps reinforce gender stereotypes as things that are commonly associated with boys and girls are widespread and common. One of the examples attached shows a pink girl shirt with aesthetic text, while the boy's shirt is blue and has text that reads "A bit of dirt never hurt", which reinforces male gender stereotypes.

Music video analysis

Finally, write up our analysis of the two music videos we studied in class. This is your opportunity to develop your own opinions on these crucial media debates. If you're not sure on any of these theories, look at the theory notes above to help you.

Watch the Beyonce video for ‘Why Don’t You Love Me?’

1) How might this video contribute to Butler’s idea that gender roles are a ‘performance’?

Beyonce plays into the role of a stereotypical 1950's woman and exaggerates it.

2) What might van Zoonen suggest regarding the representation of women in this video?

Gender stereotypes are reinforced.

3) What are YOUR views on this debate – does Beyonce empower women or reinforce the traditional ‘male gaze’ and oppression of women? 

It depends on how you look at it. On the surface, it seems like the "male gaze" is only continuing. But if you look at it from another perspective, Beyonce could be seen as empowering as she's in control of what she's doing rather than men.

Watch Will Jay's video for ‘Gangsta’

1) How does the video suggest representations of masculinity have changed in recent years?

It suggests that men aren't forced to act all tough and empowering and instead shows they can choose their own path.

2) What does David Gauntlett suggest about representations of men in the media over the last 20 years?

Gauntlett suggests there are role models in the media. Audiences can choose and construct their own identity.

3) What is YOUR view on the representation of men and masculinity? Are young men still under pressure from the media to act or behave in a certain way?

I think that men are free to act how they want. It's the opposite really, men are encouraged to choose their own identity in the media.