What role do the media play in the tensions between men’s health, body image, and the crisis of masculinity?
Tatianne Iagallo Lélis, April 8, 2022.
Social Sciences – Media Studies
Abstract: Ever since the appearance of media outlets, major attention has been brought to their use and functions regarding sociocultural issues. Nowadays, media-portrayed scripts and the sense of masculinity are closely connected, media images being key to transmitting the socialization of a dominant model in gender roles within society. This undeniably brings forth issues when considering the mental and physical health of men. In this research paper, we present strong arguments to introduce this “crisis” of masculinity and how the mass media are enhancing the problem. The article shows that, at the same time, both men and women are trying to make a positive change and gain space to be heard through the media themselves. The movie industry, beauty shows, magazines, and other popular trends are at the core of this paper when explaining their influence in the socialization of men. Also important is the negative impact that the mass media have on the relationship between gender roles and their part in creating such dominant stereotypical models followed generation after generation.
Keywords. — Mass Media, masculinity, media images, gender socialization, media scripts, crisis of masculinity
Disclaimer: The views, information and opinions in the written publications are the authors’ own and do not necessarily reflect those shared by the Eutopia Student Think Tank (EUSTT) nor the EUTOPIA Alliance.
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Tatianne Iagallo Lélis
I’m Tatianne originally from Brazil but nationalized Dutch. I’m currently doing a Bachelor on Social Sciences at Vrije Universiteit Brussel and absolutelly in love With it. My aim is to follow Political Sciences and work in an international institution. Writing and running are my second passions.
