Media Portrayals of Girls and Women: Introduction

We all know the stereotypes—the femme
fatale, the supermom, the sex kitten, the nasty corporate climber.
Whatever the role, television, film and popular magazines are full
of images of women and girls who are typically white, desperately
thin, and made up to the hilt—even after slaying a gang of vampires
or dressing down a Greek legion.

Many would agree that some strides have been made in how the
media portray women in film, television and magazines, and that the
last 20 years has also seen a growth in the presence and influence
of women in media behind the scenes. Nevertheless, female
stereotypes continue to thrive in the media we consume every
day.

This section of the site provides a snapshot of the issues around
the media’s portrayal of women and girls—from effects on body image
and self-identity to ramifications in sports and politics. It looks
at the economic interests behind the objectification and
eroticization of females by the media as well as efforts to counter
negative stereotyping. And it provides the latest articles and
studies that explore the ways in which media both limit and empower
women and girls in
society.