Representations of masculinity & femininity by Maddy Ryder

Femininity in the media

The expectations placed on women by the media 

have remained similar for decades, putting pressure on females in the public eye to behave and appear a certain way. Although through movements such as feminism women are given more power, and almost equal voice, there are still roles that they are expected to fulfil  simply because they are female. Progress has been made, but not that all of it was positive. Over the past few decades women have become more sexualised, and it is now expected, not scandalous, for a female celebrity to show some skin. Women are also expected to act as part of a group – TV programmes often portray them as part of a family, or group of friends – and are not often given the honour of hero of the story. They are, more often than not, the hero's prize. Unattractive, geeky women do not have they same luck, often paired with men who are equally unattractive and geeky. Women are expected to be attractive, young and skinny. 

The average female, specifically young girls, consequently feel inadequate in comparison; female eating disorders, such as anorexia, have risen, occurring in girls as young as 8 years old. Beauty appears to be the most important feature, often overshadowing others (for example, a female politician who has done a lot of good in the world may have her appearance greatly criticised by magazines, while a perfect woman who is a perfect nightmare may be idolised). There is certainly pressure in the music industry, especially the mainstream genres, for women to be sexy, large-breasted, skinny, pouty minxes, (although they are not, as men are, allowed to sleep around, for fear of being called whores, sluts, or worse) and there is a shortage of females in genres such as metal or rock, which appear to be male-dominated.

Our magazine is aimed at teenagers, and will feature people within that age group, so sexualised or suggestive imagery will not be used.

Masculinity in the media

Men in the media are having harsh, almost impossible expectations placed upon them, which in turn affects

the average male, who feels inadequate in comparison;

in the last few years, male anorexia has risen alarmingly). Males in the public eye must be masculine, tough, independent men, the hero of the story. 

Their job is to kick butt and get the pretty girl. God forbid they appear weak or vulnerable.  Different genres, such as rock or metal, require the males to look like a tramp who raided

a Halloween shop. Long hair, fierce expressions, and an outfit that wouldn't look too out of place in a child's nightmare. If one of these artists turned up in a pink shirt, or ever dared to point out that they did, in fact, find puppies adorable, they would probably be mauled to death by enraged fans.

This role, however, can be changed based on the intended audience. Young males,

especially pop singers and boy bands who appeal mainly to young females, make a living out of their boyish good looks, baby faces, and floppy-haired innocence. They appear to stop ageing at 12, and often appear

in magazines who seem to

be unaware of any colour outside of pink.

Our magazine will feature younger, teenage males rather than adults, so the images used will be more like this and less like the highly buff ‘manly’ adult men featured in other aspects of the media.