Body Politics, Body Image & Media

These flashcards cover key concepts related to body politics, identity representation in media, and the sociopolitical aspects of gender, providing a holistic review for exam preparation.

What is Body Politics?

The ways societies regulate, control, shape, and assign meaning to human bodies.

What are the key dimensions of Body Politics?

Gender norms, sexuality, race & ethnicity, disability, age, class, health and fitness expectations.

What defines Body Image?

An individual's subjective perceptions, feelings, and thoughts about their body.

How is Body Image shaped?

By media representations, family and peers, cultural beauty standards, and technology & filters.

What are some ideal body constructs in media?

Advertising, TV & film, influencer culture, celebrity branding, beauty & fitness industries.

What effects do media have on body norms?

Thinness/muscularity norms, hypersexualization, racialized ideals, anti-aging pressures.

What is Biopower according to Foucault?

Power disciplines bodies and regulates populations.

What does Judith Butler's concept of Performativity entail?

Gender is performed through repeated acts of bodies.

What does Bourdieu's concept of Habitus refer to?

Bodies reflect class through posture, taste, and style.

What is defined as a 'slender body'?

A physique characterized by a lean, narrow appearance, culturally associated with femininity.

What are examples of Body Politics?

School dress codes, reproductive rights regulation, workplace appearance norms.

What are cultural beauty standards for women?

Thin ideal, youthfulness, clear skin, tallness, symmetry & proportions.

How does advertising shape body expectations?

Through photoshopping, idealized proportions, and gendered posing.

What are the effects of social media filters?

Dysmorphia, unrealistic comparisons, amplification of certain looks.

What does body activism include?

Body positivity, body neutrality, fat activism, #NoFilter movements, inclusive fashion.

How is intersectionality related to bodies?

Body norms are influenced by race, class, disability, and gender identity.

What was the Istanbul Convention?

A treaty aimed at preventing violence against women and domestic violence.

Core principles of the Istanbul Convention include?

Prevention, protection, prosecution, and integrated policies.

What controversial interpretation surrounds the term 'gender'?

Contested as denying biological sex, framed as imposing 'gender ideology'.

What does the Convention say about non-discrimination?

Protection must be without discrimination based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

What cultural arguments were made against Article 12 of the Convention?

Framed as interference with traditions and religious values.

What does the 'Family Debate' state about the Convention?

Includes no redefinition of marriage, nor abolishment of the family.

What were official justifications for Turkey's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention?

Protection of the family and claims of 'gender ideology'.

How was the Convention portrayed in media?

As a cultural threat rather than a legal framework.

What does anti-gender politics signify?

A global movement opposing gender equality policies.

What is the status of the Istanbul Convention in Turkey?

Turkey withdrew in 2021 after originally signing and ratifying it.

What does Gramsci's cultural hegemony indicate?

The state governs by producing consent and not only through coercion.

What is 'Moral Panic' according to Stanley Cohen?

Societies construct exaggerated narratives of threat to certain groups.

Why is LGBTQ+ representation important?

Media shapes norms and influences attitudes and belonging.

What does heteronormativity imply?

Assumes heterosexuality as the default, leading to invisibility of queerness.

What issue arises from tokenism in media representation?

Tokenism creates stereotypes rather than authentic representation.

How has early cinema historically censored LGBTQ+ representation?

Through censorship that prohibited the depiction of homosexuality.

What is pink capitalism?

The corporate use of LGBTQ+ imagery for profit.

Describe the significance of the Netflix series 'Heartstopper'?

It challenges stereotypes while promoting inclusivity.

What does the series 'Pose' represent?

Intersectional trans representation in the media.

How does news media reflect gender ideologies?

It reproduces power relations and shapes gender representations.

What is the issue with male dominance in newsroom structures?

It leads to underrepresentation of women and perpetuates gender biases.

How does the media frame violence against women?

Often involves victim-blaming or romanticizing violence.

Define 'Symbolic Annihilation' in the context of media.

Underrepresentation of women and LGBTQ+ individuals in media narratives.

What does the term 'emphasized femininity' describe?

Femininity that supports hegemonic masculinity through compliance.

What does 'resistant femininity' challenge?

Patriarchy and traditional gender norms.

What characteristics define 'pariah femininities'?

Behaviors coded as masculine that are stigmatized.

What does masculinities theory explore?

The varying forms of masculinity, including hegemonic, complicit, and marginalized.

What is 'toxic masculinity'?

Harmful cultural norms linking masculinity with dominance and aggression.

What are features of inclusive masculinity?

Embraces emotional expression and diversity in masculine identities.

What is hybrid masculinity?

Adoption of marginalized traits while maintaining privilege.

What does the term 'hegemonic masculinity' refer to?

The culturally exalted and idealized form of masculinity legitimizing male dominance.

Summarize the key takeaways from the lecture.

Media shapes body norms, representation is not neutral, promoting critical engagement in understanding gender dynamics.