Men in the Media

• Children Now 1999

  • Boys between ages 10 and 17 asked about perceptions of male characters they saw in the media
  • Found that males are violent, leaders, problem solvers, athletic, barely cry and successful
  • More than 1/3 of boys had never seen a man do domestic chores on TV and traditional images of masculinity dominate the media
• McNamara 2006

  • Analysed a wide range of media and claimed that media representations of men and boys fail to reflect real life
  • 80% of media representations of men were negative and were shown as violent, thugs, murderers and molesters even though in reality this is a small proportion
  • Men were also shown as irresponsible risk takers incapable of communicating their feelings
• McNamara contrast

  • 20% of media representations of masculinity focused on men and boys in touch with their feminine side - the metrosexual male
  • Men are demonised by media representations of masculinity
• Gauntlett 2008

  • Men’s media such as FHM and Men’s Health transmit metrosexual values because they portray men as ’fundamentally caring, generous and good humoured‘
  • Gauntlett argues these magazines are often centred on men becoming considerate lovers, useful around the home, healthy, fashionable and funny
  • Does acknowledge presence of a ‘macho man’ in the media present for the benefit on the ‘male gaze’
• Hegemonic masculinity

  • The dominant form of masculinity that is priveleged and upheld by society
  • Characterised by heterosexuality, sexual dominance, muscular, aggression and task orientated
• Toxic masculinity

  • A collection of oppressive, harmful beliefs, tendencies and behaviours rooted in traditional male roles
  • Example - Andrew Tate and Fight Club