Gender and Marketing final

Why are racist and sexist images harmful?

Racist and sexist images are harmful because they help normalize unfair ideas about different social groups. Instead of showing people as equal, these images often present one group as superior and another as inferior. Over time, this can make discrimination seem “normal” or acceptable in everyday life.

In marketing and media, for example, advertisements might repeatedly show women only in domestic roles or certain ethnic groups in lower-status positions. Even if this is subtle, it reinforces stereotypes. This can lead to real consequences, such as limiting opportunities, shaping biased attitudes, and contributing to social inequality. In short, these images don’t just reflect society—they actively shape and strengthen unequal power relations.

Why might access to extracurricular activities create advantages for some children over others?

Access to extracurricular activities can create inequality because not all children have the same resources or opportunities. Activities like sports clubs, music lessons, language courses, or coding camps often require money, transportation, and free time—things not every family can easily provide.

Children who can participate gain important benefits. For example, a child taking music lessons may develop discipline and creativity, while someone in a sports team may build teamwork and leadership skills. These experiences also help them form social networks with peers and mentors, which can be useful later in education and careers.

In contrast, children without access may miss out on these developmental and social advantages, which can widen existing social gaps over time.

How does TikTok’s algorithm contribute to the normalization of extremist gender content?

TikTok’s algorithm works by recommending videos based on what users watch, like, and engage with. This creates a “feedback loop.” If a user interacts with content about masculinity or gender roles, the platform is likely to show more similar videos.

The problem is that the content can gradually become more extreme. For example, someone watching general “self-improvement for men” videos may eventually be shown content promoting rigid gender roles or anti-feminist and misogynistic ideas. Because this progression happens slowly and repeatedly, users may not notice the shift.

Over time, repeated exposure can make these extreme ideas seem normal or widely accepted, even if they are not.

What is one everyday barrier that can stop someone from using a computer, even if they have “physical access” to one at a public library?

One common barrier is lack of digital skills or confidence. Even if a computer is available, a person may not know how to use it effectively—for example, how to create an email account, fill out online forms, or search for reliable information.

For instance, someone applying for a job online at a library might struggle with uploading a CV or navigating government websites. This can make the computer feel intimidating or unusable, even though it is physically accessible.

Other possible barriers include language difficulties, accessibility issues for people with disabilities, or lack of privacy in a public space, but lack of digital literacy is one of the most common everyday obstacles.