Question 1: Describe two common stereotypes associated with men and women in mainstream advertising.

Answer: Common stereotypes include men being portrayed as strong, dominant, and active, while women are often depicted as nurturing, passive, or focused on appearance.

Question 2: Explain how media can reinforce gender stereotypes through the choice of clothing and setting in a scene.

Answer: Media can reinforce stereotypes by dressing male characters in suits or casual wear to depict authority or masculinity, and female characters in dresses or makeup to emphasize femininity. The setting, such as a kitchen for women or a boardroom for men, further reinforces traditional gender roles.

Question 3: Identify and explain one positive way media can challenge traditional gender stereotypes.

Answer: Media can challenge stereotypes by portraying characters of all genders in diverse roles, such as women as scientists or men as caregivers, promoting equality and breaking down societal expectations.

Question 4: Describe how the use of language in a TV advert might reinforce gender stereotypes.

Answer: Language that suggests men are strong and independent or women are caring and emotional reinforces stereotypes. For example, emphasizing 'power' for men or 'gentleness' for women contributes to stereotypical perceptions.

Question 5: Draw a sketch of a magazine cover featuring a male and a female model. The cover should challenge traditional gender stereotypes. Describe what features your drawing would include.

Answer: A balanced magazine cover with both models dressed in non-stereotypical clothing, engaged in activities traditionally associated with the opposite gender—such as a woman in a suit and a man in casual attire—highlighting equality and diversity.

Question 6: Discuss how the portrayal of gender in video games has evolved over the past decade. Provide one example of a recent change.

Answer: Historically, video games often depicted gender stereotypes, with female characters as damsels or objects of desire. Recently, there has been a shift toward more diverse and empowered female characters, such as in games where women are protagonists with complex personalities, e.g., Aloy from Horizon Zero Dawn.

Question 7: Identify one way that media targeting children can influence gender perceptions.

Answer: Media for children often portrays boys as adventurous and active, while girls are shown as caring or interested in fashion, which can influence young children's understanding of gender roles.

Question 8: Explain what is meant by 'representation' in media studies, specifically in relation to gender.

Answer: Representation refers to how different genders are portrayed in media texts, including their roles, appearances, and behaviors, which can influence societal perceptions and stereotypes.

Question 9: Identify and describe one example of a media text (e.g., film, advert, TV show) that challenges traditional gender roles.

Answer: The TV show 'The Good Place' challenges stereotypes by depicting both male and female characters as complex, morally flawed, and emotionally expressive, breaking away from traditional roles of men as unemotional or dominant.