Representation of Social Groups in Media

There are eight main social groups represented in Media.

> Gender

> Age

> Ability and Disability

> Religion

> Ethnicity 

> Sexuality 

> Regional Identity 

> Class and Status

I'll discuss two of the major ones

REPRESENTATION OF GENDER

Despite the immense development and awareness in various aspects of Media today's date, Gender Equality is severely neglected. Women are far less likely to appear on screens than men, unfair gender portrayal is widespread.  Certain categories of women, such as the poor, older women, or those belonging to ethnic minorities, are even less visible.

Representation of Men

Media thrives constantly by reinforcing their false definition of being a "real" man. In these modern times, men are proportionally shown more emotionally and mentally strong. They are also more liberated and financially independent than women. In more concise terms men are:

> Less likely to show emotions

> Will be more violent and victims of violence

> More likely to take risks

> The certified protectors of the ones they love

Representation of Women

Despite increasing criticism and attempts towards improvement in recent years, the representation of women in media - along with media's portrayal of women - remain one of the biggest problems of 21st century. Media equates women to their bodies and exploits them. It commonly portrays women as secondary, bound and dependent to other parties. 1n concise terms women are:

> Objectified

> Dependent on a male individual 

> Weak and emotional

> Less likely to be in top or executive management 

REPRESENTATION OF AGE

There are also significant gender differences in the way old people are represented in the media: older men are much more visible in the media than older women, and older men are much more likely to be associated with high status and work while older women are generally associated with the family and poverty. Teenagers on the other hand, are shown as trouble makers in the family.

Representation of Old people

Media often portrays old people are very wise or someone totally or cause of distress in families. In concise terms, they are:

> A burden

> Mentally challenged 

> Grumpy

> Considerably wise 

Representation of Teenagers

Teenagers are the most widely misrepresented age groups. They are the "troublemakers" and also the most inconsiderate ones. In concise terms, teenagers are:

> Dangerous

> Need protection

> Immature

> Reckless

Representation of children

Children are often represented as vulnerable and as being in need of adult protection, which ties in with the way in which childhood is socially constructed in contemporary society. In concise terms, children are:

> Irritating/Annoying

> The drain on society

> The exceptional super achiever

> Naïve/Innocent