Van zoonen

• Who is the theorist discussed in the guide to feminist theories?

  Van zoonen
• What is the first part of Van zoonen’s feminist theory about?

  • Ideas about gender come from discourse
  • Discourse includes written and moving image communication
  • Examples: magazines, newspapers, films, TV programs, video games
• How does Van zoonen believe we learn about gender roles?


  Through media products that we consume
• What stereotype might we learn about women from films where they are portrayed as 'damsels in distress'?


  That females need to be weaker and more vulnerable
• What stereotype might we learn about men from repeated representations as action heroes?


  That masculinity is about being brave and strong
• What does Van zoonen say about the context of gender ideas?


  • Gender ideas change based on historical and cultural context
  • Masculinity and femininity perceptions differ over decades
  • Cultural contexts can lead to different gender perceptions
• How might ideas of masculinity in the 1950s differ from those in 2018?


  They may reflect different societal expectations and norms
• What might women in the 1950s learn about femininity from advertisements?


  That they should get married, have children, and focus on domestic chores
• What does it mean for women to be objectified in the media?


  To be seen as objects rather than individuals with personalities
• How might a perfume advertisement illustrate the objectification of women?


  By showing only a woman's legs without her face
• What does Van zoonen believe about the representation of women in music videos?

  Women are often objectified and seen as commodities
• What is a patriarchal culture according to Van zoonen?

  • A culture dominated by men
  • Men are often the creators of media products
  • This dominance contributes to the objectification of women
• How are women typically represented in media according to Van zoonen?

  As domestic figures, homemakers, and caregivers
• How does Van zoonen believe men are represented differently from women in media?

  Men are often seen as individuals suited for the workplace and politics
• How does Van zoonen describe the representation of men's bodies in media?

  • Men's bodies are shown as spectacles
  • They are depicted as strong and admirable
  • Focus on physical achievements like muscles and abs
• How does Van zoonen describe the representation of women's bodies in media?

  Women's bodies are often sexualized and objectified
• What is the difference between how men's and women's bodies are perceived in media according to Van zoonen?

  Men's bodies are admired for strength, while women's bodies are objectified for lust
• Who is the theorist discussed in the guide to feminist theories?

  Van zoonen
• What are the main parts of Van zoonen feminist theory?

  1. Ideas about gender from discourse
  2. Contextual understanding of gender
  3. Objectification of women in media
  4. Different representations of men and women
  5. Representation of bodies in different ways
• What does Van zoonen mean by 'discourse'?

  Discourse refers to written and moving image communication.
• How do media products influence our ideas about gender according to Van zoonen?

  We learn what it means to be female or male from the media products we consume.
• How might repeated representations of women as 'damsels in distress' affect societal beliefs about gender?

  It may lead to the belief that females need to be weaker and more vulnerable.
• Why is it important to consider historical and cultural context in understanding gender ideas?


  Because ideas about gender change depending on historical and cultural contexts.
• How might the representation of femininity in the 1950s differ from that in 2018?

  Femininity in the 1950s may have emphasized domestic roles, while in 2018 it may reflect more diverse identities.
• What does Van zoonen suggest about women's representation in advertisements from the 1950s?


  Women were often portrayed as needing to get married, have children, and focus on domestic chores.
• What does it mean for women to be objectified in media?

  It means they are seen as objects to be looked at or bought, lacking personality.
• How does Van zoonen illustrate the concept of objectification in media products?

  She points out examples like perfume ads that show only women's legs, emphasizing their object status.
• What does Van zoonen believe about the representation of men in media?

  Men are often represented as individuals suited for the workplace and politics.
• How does Van zoonen differentiate between the representation of men's and women's bodies?

  Women's bodies are often objectified and sexualized, while men's bodies are shown as spectacles of strength and achievement.
• What does Van zoonen mean by men's bodies being seen as 'spectacle'?

  It means men's bodies are admired for their strength and physical achievements.
• How does Van zoonen suggest women's bodies are perceived in media?

  They are often seen as objects of lust rather than as achievements of hard work.
• What are the implications of a patriarchal culture on media representations of gender?

  • Dominated by men
  • Media products reflect male perspectives
  • Objectification of women is prevalent
  • Reinforces traditional gender roles
• Who is the author of the feminist theory discussed?

  Liesbet van Zoonen
• What role does culture play according to van Zoonen?

  It informs audiences of gender-based roles
• What does van Zoonen investigate in contemporary cultures?

  The processes allowing patriarchal ideals to dominate
• What is a core element of western patriarchal culture according to van Zoonen?

  The display of women as spectacle
• What does the male gaze refer to in van Zoonen's theory?

  The objectification of women for male viewers
• How does the objectification of women affect gender identities?

  It degrades and dehumanises females
• What are some creative practices that form objectified representations of women?

  Male gaze, secondary roles, passive participation
• What are the implications of the male gaze in media?

  • Invites viewers to take pleasure in female form
  • Constructs women as passive and submissive
  • Reinforces male dominance in society