GNDR 1100 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Reception Theory, Heteronormativity

• School: University of Utah
• Department: Gender Studies
• Course: GNDR 1100
• Professor: Ginger Smoak

Document Summary

Mass culture: values, attitudes, and expectations that bind people together regionally, nationally, and internationally. Production and presentation controlled by institutions and corporations. Important in shaping gender relations and reproducing gender inequalities. Proponents of hegemony argue that media, especially television, manipulates viewers to see status quo as correct. Enforces: gender roles & stereotypes, heteronormativity race/ethnicity, class. Proponents of reception theory claim that media can challenge the status quo and give a voice to alternative points of view. Resistance to hegemony and can counter mainstream ideals. More time is spent watching television/on the internet than any other activity besides work and sleep. Children ages 8-18 spend 8 hours a day on social media on average. Exposed to gender stereotypes for longer and longer periods of time. Violence against women, especially teenage girls is increasing on television at rates that far exceed the overall increases in violence in general on television. 400% increase in the depiction of teen girls as victims.