Introduction
Media plays a major role in shaping how people view gender roles and identity in society. From movies and advertisements to news and social media, the content we consume influences our understanding of what it means to be male or female, and how people should behave based on their gender. While media has the power to promote positive change, it often also reinforces old stereotypes that can be harmful to both men and women.
Understanding Gender Roles and Identity
Gender roles are social expectations about how men and women should behave. These roles are not biological but are shaped by culture and society. Gender identity is how a person sees themselves in terms of being male, female, both, or neither.
Media can influence both of these by repeatedly showing certain images and messages that tell us how we should act, dress, or feel based on our gender. Over time, these repeated messages become normal in the minds of the audience.
Media’s Role in Shaping Gender
1. Films and Television
Movies and TV shows are powerful tools that reflect and shape cultural values. For many years, women in films were shown mostly as homemakers, love interests, or side characters. Men were shown as strong, aggressive, and leaders. Even children’s shows often show girls as pretty and caring, and boys as adventurous and tough.
Example: In many Bollywood films, male heroes are shown fighting villains and protecting women, while female characters often have limited roles. Although things are changing with films like “Pink” and “Dangal” which show strong female characters, stereotypical gender roles are still common.
2. Advertisements
Advertisements also influence how we see gender. Beauty products often target women, showing that their value lies in their looks. Household cleaning ads mostly show women, sending a message that housework is a woman’s duty. On the other hand, men are usually shown in car ads, tech products, or financial services, suggesting power and control.
Example: Detergent ads usually show a mother cleaning clothes for the family, reinforcing the idea that household duties are only for women. However, some brands like Ariel’s “Share the Load” campaign challenge this by showing men sharing household work.
3. News Media
Even news channels show gender bias. Women reporters are often assigned soft stories like fashion or culture, while men report on politics or crime. Also, female politicians or celebrities are often judged more for their looks and clothes than their work.
Example: When women leaders like Priyanka Gandhi or Jacinda Ardern appear in the news, there is often more attention on their appearance or family roles than on their political work.
4. Social Media
Social media platforms are double-edged swords. On one hand, they allow people to break stereotypes and share different gender identities. On the other hand, influencers and trends often promote narrow beauty standards and gendered content.
Example: Instagram filters often lighten skin or make the face slimmer, reinforcing unrealistic beauty standards. At the same time, campaigns like #HeForShe or #LikeAGirl help spread awareness and fight stereotypes.
Positive Change in Media Representation
- Gender-Neutral Campaigns: More brands and filmmakers are now promoting gender equality. Ads and films are showing both men and women doing household chores, taking care of children, or working in all kinds of jobs.
- LGBTQ+ Representation: Modern media is also starting to include stories of transgender people and others who don’t fit into traditional gender roles. This helps in normalizing diverse gender identities.
Conclusion
Media has a strong influence on shaping how society views gender roles and identity. While it often reinforces stereotypes, it also has the power to break them and promote equality. By showing diverse and realistic characters, sharing balanced stories, and promoting fairness, media can help create a society where people are free to express their identity without fear or pressure. It’s important for both creators and viewers to be aware of how media shapes our understanding of gender and to support content that promotes equality and inclusiveness.