Investigating Representation of Gender

Symbolic annilation – women’s roles in the media are limited compared to the roles of men

Meehan (1984)

• Woman who led research into primetime TV
• Categorised women’s roles in the media into 9 major groups

1. Imp – ‘’tomboy’’. Behaviour/dress sense is slightly masculine


2. Good wife – likely to have children and stay at home to care for them


3. Bitch – nasty, likes to cause trouble / always ready for an argument


4. Decoy – plays a minor role, limited character, has minimum impact on storyline


5. Siren – alluring woman, incredibly beautiful, often ends up ‘’using’’ men


6. Victim – experiences upset/heartbreak


7. Harpy/courtesan – prostitute


8. Matriarch – powerful woman, often found in a soap opera


9. Witch