Van Diemen's Feminist Theories

Key Points Overview

Understand the concepts of discourse, context, objectification, representation, and the spectacle of bodies.

Definition: Written and moving image communication.
- Examples: Magazines, newspapers, films, TV programs, video games.
Theory: Our ideas about gender are shaped by the media products we consume.
- Example: Women as "damsels in distress" may lead to the belief that females are weaker and more vulnerable.
- Example: Men portrayed as action heroes may reinforce ideas of bravery and strength in masculinity.

Importance: Gender ideas vary with historical and cultural contexts.
- Example: Masculinity in the 1950s vs. Masculinity in 2018.
- Example: Femininity in 1920s vs. Femininity in 1970s.
- Cross-Cultural Differences: Gender perceptions can differ significantly between societies, e.g., Britain vs. Middle East.
Application: Analyze media products to understand gender perceptions at different times.
- Example: 1950s ads promoting domestic roles for women.
- Example: 1960s magazines emphasizing home-making and family care.

Definition: Treating women as objects to be looked at, bought, or sold.
- Example: Ads showing only women's legs, omitting faces.
- Example: Music videos frequently objectify women.
Theory: Objectification is prevalent in media.
Link to Patriarchy: Society dominated by men might lead to objectification as men often create media products.

Differing Depictions: Men and women are represented in distinct, often stereotypical ways.
- Women: Domestic roles - homemakers, mothers, wives. Confined to cleaning, cooking, laundry.
- Men: Individualistic roles - workplace, politics. Seen as suited for public and professional spheres.

Women: Often objectified and sexualized.
- Seen as objects of lust, not credited for effort in achieving their body shape.
Men: Bodies are depicted as spectacles.
- Emphasis on muscle, fitness, and achievements. Admired for hard work in attaining physical form.