Question 1: Describe how women are typically portrayed in mainstream advertising. Mention at least two common characteristics or roles.

Answer: Women are often portrayed as nurturing, fashionable, or homemakers. They may be shown smiling, in domestic settings, or as objects of beauty.

Question 2: Identify and explain two ways that media images can reinforce gender stereotypes.

Answer: Media images can reinforce gender stereotypes by depicting men as dominant, strong, and independent, while women are shown as caring, passive, or focused on appearance.

Question 3: Imagine a TV advert promoting a new sports car. Write a short description of how gender might be represented in this advert.

Answer: The advert might show male characters as confident and powerful, emphasizing strength and control, while female characters might be shown as admiring or in the background, reinforcing gender roles.

Question 4: Draw a character that challenges traditional gender stereotypes in a magazine cover layout. Label key features of your drawing.

Answer: A character that could challenge stereotypes might be a woman portrayed as strong and active, wearing sportswear and holding a tool, with a confident expression. Label features like clothing, posture, and accessories.

Question 5: Explain how the use of colour in media can influence perceptions of gender.

Answer: Colours like pink are often associated with femininity, while blue is linked to masculinity. These colour choices can reinforce gender stereotypes by signaling gender roles or expectations.

Question 6: Describe a scene from a film or TV show where gender roles are clearly portrayed. Use specific details to support your answer.

Answer: In the scene, a woman is shown cooking in the kitchen while her male partner repairs a car. The woman is dressed in an apron, and the man is wearing overalls, reinforcing traditional domestic and handyman roles.

Question 7: Sketch two contrasting magazine covers: one that features traditional gender roles and one that challenges them. Label your sketches with the key differences.

Answer: One cover shows a woman in a dress with makeup, posed in a glamorous way, emphasizing beauty. The other features a woman in sports gear, engaged in an active activity, challenging stereotypes. Label features like clothing, activity, and pose.

Question 8: Discuss how media representation of gender can impact young people's perceptions of themselves.

Answer: Media representations can influence young people's self-image by reinforcing stereotypes, making them feel pressure to conform to certain roles or appearances, or inspiring them to challenge traditional roles.

Question 9: Identify one example of a media character (from TV, film, or advertising) that subverts traditional gender stereotypes. Describe how they do this.

Answer: A character like Wonder Woman subverts stereotypes by being a strong, independent female hero who fights alongside male heroes and challenges traditional notions of femininity.