Portrayal Of Women Research Articles

Deux romans d’apprentissage écologiques au féminin : lecture comparée de La Petite Fadette (1849) et The Mill on the Floss (1860)

This article proposes a joint re-reading of George Sand's La Petite Fadette and George Eliot's The Mill on the Floss as ecological coming-of-age novels. On the one hand, the rich and dynamic representation of a natural environment is compared with portraits of women in movement. Secondly, we examine how the two heroines’ learning process results in decisive conflicts between animal instincts and moral imperatives. A number of ideas are then put forward for teaching these two novels at secondary school level, by linking the environmental issue to social issues and a reflection on gender.

The Journey of Women in Disney Movies and Their Impact on Shaping Social Perceptions

Disney movies have long fascinated audiences with their fantastical narratives, lively characters, and imaginative landscapes. However, the representation of women in Disney movies was always through a patriarchal lens. This research investigates the portrayal of women characters in contemporary Disney movies Moana (2016) and Mulan (2020) and analyses how they differ from the traditional portrayal of women in Disney movies using the theoretical framework of postmodern feminism and patriarchy. The paper analyses how travel empowers these women and what significant changes it brings about in the development of their characters. The paper also explores the psyche of these women characters and how their journey inspires young adults, especially today’s women. The paper serves as a lens into society and the influence of media and other popular culture in the perceptions formed about women and how they are supposed to be.

‘An amazing gang of women crooks and blackmailers’: women, organized crime, and the ‘Forty Elephants’ gang in inter-war Britain

Abstract Women’s participation in organized crime has been overlooked within historical research, with studies typically relegating their roles to that of auxiliaries to male gangsters. This article explores the activities and portrayals of women involved in organized crime during the British inter-war period, focusing specifically on one of Britain’s only known all-female criminal organizations (the ‘Forty Elephants’). Examining coverage from local, regional, and national newspapers, it argues that the Forty Elephants captivated the inter-war press, with depictions of gang members reflecting the stereotypical ‘devil in disguise’; according to the media, the female gangster was a dangerous and ‘professional’ criminal who hid behind a façade of good looks, fashionable clothing, and high social status. Furthermore, the article demonstrates how portrayals of the gang resonated with contemporary discussions around the emerging ‘modern woman’, reflecting concerns over women’s growing participation in social, political, and economic life.

The Role of Media in Shaping Perceptions of Women's Empowerment: Challenges and Opportunities for Change

This paper delves into the complex role of media in influencing perceptions of women's empowerment, highlighting the various obstacles and possibilities for transformation. Through a meticulous examination of the available literature, this study offers valuable insights into the impact of media on societal perceptions of women's empowerment. The paper thoroughly examines the portrayal of women in traditional media outlets and the changing landscape of digital platforms by analysing secondary data from various academic sources. The findings shed light on the intricate relationship between media portrayals and efforts to empower women, underscoring the importance of actively analysing media stories to promote substantial advancements. The study highlights the impact of media on shaping and reinforcing societal views on gender, which in turn can shape public opinion and policy decisions. Moreover, the analysis highlights the significance of digital media in offering fresh avenues for women's voices, while also posing novel obstacles like online harassment and misinformation. In conclusion, the paper highlights the significance of media literacy and advocacy in addressing gender stereotypes and advancing gender equality. There is a need for greater awareness and education to empower audiences to evaluate media content in a discerning manner, resulting in a more balanced portrayal of women in media stories.

Beyond Stereotypes: The Polysemous and Polymorphous Representation of Women in Moroccan Cinema through Adam (2019)

This paper critically examines the portrayal of women in Moroccan cinema, with a specific focus on Meriem Touzani's film Adam (2019). The film is a substantial case study, challenging traditional gender roles, particularly in cinematically representing the two female protagonists' bodies and voices. By critically re-evaluating the poetics and politics of representing women in Moroccan cinema, this paper features the importance of adopting an intersectional perspective and engaging with feminist film theory. The study employs qualitative methods, including close textual and thematic analysis, to investigate how bodily expressions and vocalizations contribute to constructing gender identity. Within the film, the findings are situated in the broader scholarly discourse on gender representation, drawing on theoretical frameworks from scholars such as Laura Mulvey and Kimberlé Crenshaw. This research is interested in tapping into the present debate on transcending hegemonic patriarchal structures in the Moroccan cinematic apparatus, advocating for more unbiased and empowering narratives that reflect the diverse experiences of women. As active media consumers, the audience plays a crucial role in this advocacy. Eventually, this paper contributes to ongoing discussions about gender representation, cultural identity, and social change in Moroccan cinema, offering new insights into the dynamics of advancing a new image of women on screen.

INFLUENCE OF CHANGING PORTRAYALS OF WOMEN IN HINDI CINEMA ON YOUTH’S PROGRESSIVE GENDER ATTITUDES

This research paper examines the impact of evolving portrayals of women in Hindi cinema on the progressive gender attitudes of contemporary youth. In recent decades, Hindi cinema has increasingly shifted from portraying women primarily in conventional and submissive positions to presenting them in more forward-thinking and active roles. The objective of this study is to examine the impact of these alterations in cinematic portrayals on the perceptions and attitudes of young individuals towards gender equality. Through the use of a mixed-methods methodology including quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, this study examines the relationship between film depictions and changes in gender attitudes among young people. Empirical evidence suggests that favourable depictions of women in contemporary Hindi film are linked to more progressive gender perspectives among young people, underscoring the capacity of media to influence society standards and behaviours.

The Portrayal of Women in Social Media: Implications for Social Work Practice

The Portrayal of Women in Social Media: Implications for Social Work Practice

EXPLORING WOMEN’S PORTRAYAL AND NARRATIVE ENTANGLEMENT IN DAVID LYNCH’S ‘BLUE VELVET’ (1986): POSTMODERN CINEMATIC ANALYSIS

This study conducted a concise postmodern cinematic analysis of ‘Blue Velvet’ (1986), directed by David Lynch, focusing on the portrayal of women and their narrative roles. ‘Blue Velvet’ exemplifies postmodern cinema through its subversion of conventional storytelling and exploration of dark undercurrents in suburban America. The analysis delved into the multifaceted depiction of women, examining how Lynch employs the “male gaze” through camera work and narrative structure, reinforcing patriarchal power dynamics. By scrutinizing key scenes, we revealed women often depicted for male viewer gratification. This study provided a new viewpoint on ‘Blue Velvet,’ shedding light on its challenge to cinematic norms and highlighting the interplay of gender, power, and narrative in a postmodern context.

Konstrusi Media Tentang Perempuan Pelaku Kejahatan Predator Seksual Anak

This study seeks to reveal gender bias in the headline news of kompas.com concerning the case of a woman perpetrator of sexual crimes against 11 children in Jambi. The research utilizes Peter L. Berger's social construction theory, Erving Goffman's framing, and Pierre Bourdieu's symbolic violence. Employing Robert Entman's framing analysis model, the findings of this study uncover that the portrayal of women is divided into three constructs imbued with gender bias. Gender bias arises due to the practice of symbolic violence. First, the female perpetrator of sexual crimes is depicted as engaging in unseemly, reprehensible actions that contravene societal values and norms. Second, the woman's vital body becomes a newsworthy asset that is advantageous. Third, the news exhibits ambivalence; on one hand, it provides information on preventing sexual crimes, while on the other hand, it inadvertently offers a tutorial-like narrative on committing sexual offenses against children.

THE IMAGE OF A WOMAN IN FOLKLORE AS A FOLK TRADITION

This study explores the multifaceted portrayal of women in folklore, focusing on their roles as creators, transmitters, and subjects of oral traditions. Employing a feminist folklore approach, the research aims to elucidate the complex dynamics of gender, power, and representation within folkloric narratives. The methodology combines extensive literature review, comparative analysis of folkloric texts across various Turkic cultures, and critical interpretation informed by feminist theory. The findings reveal that while women's folklore often reflects the dominant patriarchal values, it also serves as a medium for expressing female solidarity, subverting gender norms, and asserting women's agency. The study highlights the significance of women's oral traditions as a vital source for understanding their lived experiences, cultural contributions, and strategies of resistance in maledominated societies. The research contributes to the growing body of feminist folklore scholarship and underscores the importance of integrating women's perspectives into the mainstream folklore discourse. Further research is needed to explore the regional variations, historical transformations, and contemporary adaptations of women's folkloric practices.

The Mother Complex in Dambudzo Marechera’s Life and Works

Abstract Dambudzo Marechera, an iconic figure in Zimbabwean literature, is often celebrated for his avant-garde and confrontational literary style. His works, which reflect a tumultuous life marked by personal and political strife, also reveal a complex relationship with women. His upbringing in the slums of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) exposed him to poverty, violence, and racial tensions. Marechera’s mother, Masvotwa Venezia Marechera, was a maid, and he often depicted her in the context of Rhodesian violence and prostitution. His strained relationship with his family, especially his mother, is apparent in his works and biographical information on him. His relationship with his mother seems to have contributed to his ambivalent portrayal and understanding of women. This fraught connection with his mother hints at a mother complex, a psychological concept which describes a son’s emotional attachment and conflict with his mother. This study delves into the ‘Mother Complex’ as a recurring motif in Marechera’s narratives, examining how it shapes his life, characters, and themes. Drawing from Marechera’s own experiences and his relationship as reflected in his writings and Wild-Veit’s memoir, They Called You Dambudzo, this analysis explores the psychological and symbolic dimensions of the mother archetype as reflected in his literature and life. The discussion highlights how Marechera’s portrayal of motherhood—ranging from nurturing to oppressive—mirrors his ambivalent attitude towards maternal authority and the traditional roles assigned to women in society. Marechera conceives female characters as more than mere muses; they represent different facets of femininity and cultural identity. They evoke vulnerability and agency. The discussion considers the broader socio-cultural context of post-colonial Zimbabwe, where the mother figure often embodies the nation’s collective history and trauma. Marechera’s complex representation of motherhood and women serves as a critique of oppressive structures and a quest for agency amidst cultural dislocation.

Research on the Effects of Media on Womens Entrepreneurship

The media is a powerful tool for shaping public opinion and can significantly influence women's entrepreneurial decisions. By portraying women entrepreneurs in a positive and egalitarian light, the media can help eliminate the negative effects of gender bias, thereby enhancing society's perception and evaluation of women entrepreneurs. Therefore, examining the impact of modern media on women entrepreneurs in contemporary society is a complex and significant issue. Focusing on the growing importance of this topic, the paper aims to explore the impact of media coverage on the image and status of women entrepreneurs. The impact is identified through questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and media content analysis. It conducts an online questionnaire survey and in-depth interviews with 300 women entrepreneurs and 20 women entrepreneurs from different industries. The results showes that over 65% of the respondents believed that media bias had a negative impact on their entrepreneurial spirit, and almost 70% felt that their businesses did not receive fair coverage. The findings confirm that the medias gendered portrayal of women entrepreneurs affects not only public perceptions of their capabilities and potential but also challenges their confidence and willingness to start their own businesses.

(UN)EINIG? GENERATIONEN VON SCHRIFTSTELLERINNEN IM DIALOG ÜBER DIE EMANZIPATION VON FRAUEN: HELMINA VON CHÉZY, AMALIA SCHOPPE UND AMALIE STRUVE*

AbstractIn addition to her literary activities, the writer Helmina von Chézy (1783–1856) was committed to the emancipation of women throughout her life. She took a public stand on women's literary activity, participated in anthology and journal projects and wrote portraits of women in various genres. Among her correspondents was Amalie Struve (1824–62), a writer of the 1848/49 revolution who was two generations younger and who came into contact with the women's rights movement in America during her exile. The article explores the extent to which Chézy's Nachlass in the Varnhagen Collection provides new insights into the emancipation of women before and immediately after the revolution. Chézy's previously unpublished portrait of Amalia Schoppe (1783–1858), who also belonged to her network, is examined more closely. To what extent can conclusions be drawn from these texts about the state of the public debate on women writers in Germany? What is innovative about their contribution? The second part deals with Amalie Struve's letters to Chézy from the time of her move to the USA. To what extent do they shed new light on Chézy as a writer of radical change as well as on Struve's emancipatory commitment? To what extent does a generational transition become clear here?

The Portrayal of Women in Media

This study looks at the history of women's depiction in media, particularly in the early 2000s, and discovers a substantial shift in the image of young female characters. Historically, media narratives have constrained women to traditional roles, depicting them as caring figures or hostile antagonists. This shift occurred in the early 2000s when the women interested in the male lead were tomboys or boyish, not the stereotypical image of femininity. Femininity was vilified, causing young girls to separate themselves from their femininity and try to appeal to men by acting like tomboys. This investigation analyzes the portrayal, erasure, objectification, and vilification of different kinds of women with different social, political, and economic backgrounds.

Women’s Portrayal in Classic Literature and Hollywood’s Golden Age to Determine its Ramifications

Sexism has existed since the beginning of time. Media portrayal is another tool used to control women. In ancient Athens media showed women what would happen to them if they acted out. The character Lysistrata was used to belittle women. Clytemnestra was to warn women to stay in place. There were few female writers and there weren’t even female actresses. During the Golden Age of Cinema media portrayal set false expectations of what a woman should be. Often, they were objectified and had little speaking time. Partly because there weren’t many women working behind the screen. There were little female directors, cinematographers, and writers. Modern media has bettered in its portrayal of women. It still does occasionally perpetuate gender stereotypes and objectify women it is better. The movie Little Women demonstrates that. It empowers women with its portrayal. That movie is directed by a woman, perhaps a line can be drawn that if more women are involved in media creation, the representation will enhance and be positive. This investigation is important to be disseminated so people are aware of the power media has over us and hold it to a standard that creates a positive impact.

Women's Safety: Domestic Violence, Rape, and Media Portrayal of Women

This paper examines the critical issues of women's safety, focusing on domestic violence, rape, and the media portrayal of women. Domestic violence remains a pervasive problem globally, with women experiencing physical, emotional, and psychological abuse, often at the hands of intimate partners. Rape and sexual assault are severe violations of women's rights and bodily autonomy, frequently resulting in long-lasting trauma. The media's portrayal of women significantly influences societal attitudes and behaviors, often perpetuating harmful stereotypes and contributing to a culture that trivializes violence against women. This paper explores the intersectionality of these issues, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies that include legal reforms, education, and media accountability to enhance women's safety and promote gender equality. By addressing these interconnected aspects, society can work towards creating a safer and more respectful environment for women. Keywords: women's safety, domestic violence, rape, media portrayal, gender stereotypes, societal attitudes, legal reforms, trauma, gender equality, media accountability.

Can exposure to sexual objectification impact policy attitudes? Evidence from two survey experiments.

Research in social psychology has long argued that exposure to objectifying portrayals of women can lead to increasingly misogynist attitudes and behavior. We argue that such images can also impact on gendered policy attitudes. We suggest that objectifying images prime sexist attitudes and reduce perceptions of women's agency, warmth, and competence. We argue that this may translate into decreased support for reproductive rights and other gender-salient policies. Furthermore, these effects may vary by the gender of those exposed to these images. In two survey experiments with brief exposures to objectifying images, we find mixed support for these predictions. Although we find some negative effects as predicted, we also find positive effects of objectification among women in the sample that are suggestive of a backlash effect. We discuss potential explanations for this heterogeneity. Overall, our results suggest interesting avenues to further explore the effects of objectification on political outcomes.

Analysis of Pinaggikanan Stories in 2nd District of Camarines Sur through the Lens of Gender Sensitivity

In order to identify the passages in Pinaggikanan stories that reflect gender issues namely: (1) health; (2) women portrayal in media; (3) discrimination in education; (4) participation and representation (5) violence; (6) disaster risk and (7) marriage and family relations, this study was conducted. The study aimed to determine the trend of manifestation on different gender issues in Pinaggikanan stories and rewrite selected Pinaggikanan stories using gender-neutral, non-discriminating, and non-stereotyping languages. Guided by the study’s main objective, data was collected in the analysis of the contents of stories to determine the gender issues present in each story. The data gathered were organized, evaluated as well as analyzed by experts. These were done through a workshop of the panel of evaluators that determined the gender issues in each story. Additionally, a frequency count method was employed to identify trends in the manifestation of gender issues within the Pinaggikanan stories. Moreover, the validation of the output was evaluated by a panel of experts.

Mothers of Russia: portrayals of Russian women soldiers between 2008 and 2021

ABSTRACT This article analyzes the gendered representations of Russian women soldiers in the official newspaper of the Russian Armed Forces, Krasnaya Zvezda (Red Star), and how these narratives benefit the Russian military. I approach this topic in the context of International Women’s Day, a revealing showcase of representations. The narrative approach and discourse analysis focus on articles published in Krasnaya Zvezda between 2008, when the military reform began, and 2021 to gain a broad understanding of the representations of women in the modern Russian army. Women are not conscripted in Russia, but they can serve as contract soldiers. Despite celebratory speeches mirroring international narratives on gender equality, on closer reading, stereotypical narratives and discourses still put women in auxiliary positions in the Russian military because of their assumed motherhood. Portrayals of modern women soldiers are based on the traditional archetype of Rodina-mat’ (“the Motherland”/“Mother Russia”), the sacred symbol of Russia, which is itself a feminized subject of protection that ties women to this position. This makes the integration of women soldiers into the armed forces culturally specific in Russia. By attaching different meanings to Rodina-mat’, the Russian military authorities regulate women’s positions and roles in the military and war work.

Female Image in Netochka Nezvanova: A Study Based on Feminist Perspective

This study delves into Fyodor Dostoevsky's unfinished novel, Netochka Nezvanova through a feminist lens, exploring the nuanced portrayals of female characters and their significance in the narrative. By examining the interactions, relationships, and development of key female figures such as Netochka, Sophia Alexandrovna, and Alexandra Mikhailovna, the paper highlights how these characters challenge and are limited in the patriarchal structures of 19th-century Russian society. The study argues that Dostoevsky, perhaps unconventionally for his time, presents a complex and empathetic exploration of the female experience, showcasing the struggles and resilience of his female protagonists. Through the character of Netochka, the narrative foregrounds the quest for identity and autonomy amidst societal constraints, emphasizing the importance of education, artistic expression, and female solidarity as means of resistance and self-realization. Netochka Nezvanova emerges as a rich text for feminist analysis, offering insights into the complexities of female agency, the critique of gendered societal expectations, and the enduring relevance of Dostoevsky's portrayal of women's pursuit of freedom and dignity.