What are the issues that surround the representation of different

groups in TV Drama – age, race, gender, class? Gender - many objects, not just humans are represented as

being particularly masculine or feminine – particularly in

advertising and we grow up with an awareness of what

constitutes ‘appropriate’ characteristics for each

gender.

Representation of women

-Feminism has been around for over 30 years yet

media representations of women are worryingly the same.

The media tend to highlight the following:

-beauty (within narrow conventions)

-size/physique (again, with narrow conventions)

-sexuality (as expressed by the above)

-emotional (as opposed to intellectual) dealings

-relationships (as opposed to independence/freedom)

Representation of men

-Strength – physical and intellectual

-Power

-Sexual attractiveness

-Physique

-Independence (of thought, action)

-Male characters are often represented as isolated, as not needing to rely on

others (the lone hero). If they submit to being part of a family, it is often the

part of the resolution of the narrative, rather than an integral factor in the

initial balance.

Age – There have been some high profile representations of the elderly in

recent years US sitcom The Golden Girls is perhaps one of the most famous,

centring on four female characters all determinedly over 50.

Common Representations of Age

-rebellious teen

-senile old woman/man

-cradle robbing woman

-male in a mid-life crisis

-middle aged women clinging to her youth

-silly old man

Ethnicity – Racial stereotypes are often based on social myth, perpetuated

down the ages. Thus, the media depiction of, say, Native American Indian

culture and characters, and may provide that child with a set of narrow

prejudices which will not be challenged elsewhere within their experience.

Representation of Class:

-poor, moneyless

-lower class

-lower middle class

-working class

-upper middle class

-upper class

-elite/rich/millionaire

Alina Haq