10.1 Formation and Perpetuation of Stereotypes in Media

Media plays a crucial role in shaping our perceptions of different social groups. Through repetitive portrayals and framing, it can reinforce or challenge existing stereotypes, influencing how we view others and ourselves.

Understanding how media represents various groups is key to recognizing its impact on society. By examining these portrayals, we can better grasp how stereotypes form and persist, affecting our social interactions and beliefs.

Stereotypes and Biases

Understanding Stereotypes

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• Stereotypes are oversimplified, generalized beliefs about a particular group of people that are often inaccurate and resistant to change
• Stereotypes can be positive or negative and are often based on characteristics such as race, gender, age, or occupation (race, gender)
• Stereotypes are learned through various sources, including family, peers, and the media, and can be reinforced over time
• Stereotypes can lead to prejudice and discrimination when individuals are judged or treated differently based on their group membership

Cognitive Biases and Stereotyping

• Implicit bias refers to unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner
• Implicit biases are automatic and unintentional, often influencing behavior without conscious awareness (hiring decisions, medical treatment)
• Confirmation bias is the tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms or supports one's prior beliefs or values
• Confirmation bias can reinforce stereotypes by selectively focusing on information that aligns with preexisting stereotypes while ignoring contradictory evidence (political beliefs, racial stereotypes)
• Stereotype threat occurs when individuals are at risk of conforming to stereotypes about their social group, leading to anxiety and underperformance
• Stereotype threat can negatively impact the performance of stereotyped groups in various domains, such as academics or athletics (women in math, African Americans in standardized tests)

Media Representation and Framing

Media Portrayal of Social Groups

• Media representation refers to how various social groups, such as racial and ethnic minorities, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals, are portrayed in media content
• Media representation can influence public perceptions and attitudes towards these groups, often perpetuating stereotypes or promoting inclusivity (lack of diversity in film and television, stereotypical gender roles)
• Underrepresentation or misrepresentation of certain groups in the media can contribute to the marginalization and invisibility of these groups in society
• Positive and diverse media representation can help challenge stereotypes, promote understanding, and foster social change (increased representation of people with disabilities, diverse cast in films)

Framing and Agenda Setting

• Media framing involves the selection and emphasis of certain aspects of a story or issue, influencing how the audience interprets and understands the information
• Framing can shape public opinion and discourse by highlighting specific perspectives, values, or solutions while downplaying others (framing immigration as a threat vs. an opportunity)
• Agenda setting refers to the media's ability to influence the importance placed on particular issues by the public and policymakers
• By giving more coverage and prominence to certain topics, the media can shape the public agenda and influence which issues are considered most pressing (coverage of climate change, political scandals)

Social Cognition and Identity

Cognitive Processes in Social Perception

• Social cognition refers to the mental processes involved in perceiving, understanding, and remembering information about others and social situations
• Social cognition includes attention, perception, memory, and decision-making in social contexts (forming impressions of others, recalling social interactions)
• Schemas, or mental frameworks, help organize and interpret social information, guiding our expectations and behavior in social situations (gender schemas, cultural schemas)
• Stereotypes can be understood as a type of schema that influences how we process and respond to information about social groups

Social Identity and Intergroup Relations

• Social identity theory proposes that an individual's sense of self is derived from their membership in social groups, such as race, gender, or nationality
• People strive to maintain a positive social identity by comparing their group (ingroup) favorably against other groups (outgroups), leading to ingroup bias and outgroup discrimination (racial prejudice, nationalism)
• Social identity can influence stereotyping and prejudice, as individuals may view outgroup members as homogeneous and inferior to their own group
• Cultivation theory suggests that long-term exposure to media content, particularly television, can shape viewers' perceptions of reality and social norms
• Repeated exposure to stereotypical or biased media representations can cultivate attitudes and beliefs that align with these portrayals (effects of violent media on perceptions of crime, beauty standards in advertising)