Media, Power, and Gender Representation

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the social production of news (Hall et al.), elite power and media access (Van Dijk), gender and single-girl magazines (Ouellette), and gender stereotypes in advertising (Steinem).

Structure of Selection

The process of deciding which events become news and which are ignored.

Construction of the News Story

How journalists organize information and create a narrative around an event to put the story together.

Identification

The process of identifying and labeling an event or person as something recognizable and newsworthy.

Contextualization

Providing background information that helps audiences understand an event.

Signification

Giving an event meaning through language, images, symbols, and presentation.

Primary Definers

Powerful people or institutions that have the ability to shape how an issue is initially presented in the news before other perspectives are included.

Maps of Meanings

The shared cultural beliefs, values, and assumptions that influence how society interprets news.

Hierarchy of Credibility

The idea that certain people are automatically considered more trustworthy or believable than others because of their position or status.

Social Power

The ability of a person or group to influence other people and society.

Privilege

Having advantages or opportunities that other groups do not have.

Dominance

When one group has greater control or influence over another group.

Elite Access

The ability of powerful people to obtain more media attention and coverage through institutional authority, connections, press conferences, and PR.

Hegemonic (Media Power)

The process where powerful groups maintain influence by making their beliefs and values seem normal or accepted by society.

Right-Wing Sources

Conservative political and institutional sources that hold significant media influence and shape how political issues are discussed.

Pink-Collar

Jobs traditionally associated with women, often in service, clerical, or caregiving occupations.

Cosmo Girl

An image of a modern woman who is independent, fashionable, sexually confident, and career-oriented.

Single Girl Literature

Magazines and publications focused on the lives of unmarried women, covering careers, dating, sexuality, and independence.

Hegemonic (Gender Representation)

Media elements or images that reinforce traditional expectations and gender roles, such as emphasizing beauty standards and attracting men.

Counter-hegemonic

Media elements or representations that challenge traditional expectations and gender roles, such as promoting female independence and careers.

Gender Stereotypes

Oversimplified beliefs and assumptions about how women and men are supposed to behave.

Pink-Collar Advertising

Advertising that reinforces the idea that women belong in traditionally feminine roles, such as homemaking, caregiving, and service work.

Representation

How people or groups are portrayed in media.

Ms. Magazine

A feminist magazine that challenged sexist advertising and pushed for more equal, realistic representations of women.

Advertising (Steinem)

A non-neutral medium that can either reinforce or challenge social expectations and gender stereotypes.