Women in the Media Psychology of Women Catalina Woldarsky May 9 th, 2007

Outline Natural beauty? The Western ideal of beauty Depictions of women in print media The psychological impact of ‘thin media’ Women in music

Western Beauty & the Media All images portrayed in the mass media are constructions & serve as a form of communication Images shown in mass media act as socializing agents that influence our attitudes, beliefs, values & behaviours (Kang, 1997). The ideal woman has been described by adolescent girls as being 5’7” tall, 100 lbs., a size 5, with long blonde hair and blue eyes (Nichter & Nichter, 1991)

The Objectification of Women Objectification refers to portrayals of women that suggest their major function or purpose is to be looked at (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997; Linder, 2004) Women are decorative objects –men watch women & women watch men watching women Males are socialized to use their bodies as a means to master their space, whereas females are socialized to use their bodies to attract others (Stephens, Hill, & Hanson, 1994)

The Sexualization of Women Women are not just objects – they are sexual objects that exist for the satisfaction of men’s sexual pleasure The message being conveyed is that women should always be sexually available, have sex on their minds, be willing to be dominated & even sexually agressed against (Merskin, 2004).

The ‘Fragility’ of Women Women in ads are often depicted as vulnerable and in need of protection They are often shown as being uninvolved or withdrawn from the social situation by covering their mouths, faces or gazing at some unidentifiable object outside the picture frame (Linder, 2004). This is also apparent in images that include feminine touch, ritualization of subordination, licensed withdrawal (Kang, 1997).

Psychological Impact? In order to understand the impact that media has on us, we must first consider the message(s) being conveyed… Now what is the conclusion?

Psychological Impact of Thin Media There must be something wrong with you! Feelings of shame & inadequacy triggered Heightened self-monitoring & objectification Shift between being a subject to being an object –linked to poor interoceptive awareness Social Comparison Theory (Festinger, 1954)

Psychological Impact of Thin Media ‘Contrast effect’ that includes body dissatisfaction, lowered self-esteem & mood, as well as eating disorder symptomatology (Stice et al., 1994; Thorton & Maurice, 1997; Groesz, Levine, & Murner, 2002; Huon & Munro, 2006). Exposure to TV programs glamorize thin ideal (i.e., music videos & soap operas) has also been correlated with body dissatisfaction, perceptions of overweight & dieting (Schupak-Neuberg et al., 2000; Tiggemann, 2005) BUT… positive effects have been documented for thin women who are dieting (Henderson-King & Henderson-King,1997; 2001; Mills et al., (2000)).

The internalization of the thin ideal

Take-Home Assignment: Women in Music  How are women portrayed in popular music?  Find the lyrics of a popular song (any genre)  Discuss the song by identifying main themes  What’s the song about?  What’s the message about women? Men?  How does this impact you?  Using the lyrics of the song re-write the song so that it critiques the message about women & offers an alternative view