Author

TANJA DI PIANO, EVA GERINO, ELISA MARINO, PIERA BRUSTIA, LUCA ROLLÈ

Year

2014

Publisher

Romanian Journal of Experimental Applied Psychology

DOI/Link

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Abstract

The present work aims to examine the Italian scenario for what concerned gender stereotypes against women and, specifically, how they are reinforced and partially created by the media (Volpato, 2011; 2013). It’s essential to analyze briefly the evolution of women's movement, particularly in the historic moment that goes from the '60s until today, characterized over time by different claims which have led to innovations in civil and social rights. After this first part, designed to provide a basis for a better understanding of the complexity of the phenomenon, the work goes into a part related to women’s gender stereotypes, highlighting their pervasiveness. Since this is an extremely complex phenomenon, the focus was narrowed to two areas: the role of women within the family (and how the transformation of the couple has produced substantial changes in gender roles) and women seen as an object. Both roles assigned and self-assigned to women are also compared with the media representation to provide a broader picture of the phenomenon. Despite the progress made both from a social and legislative point of view, stereotypes against women are still present on the Italian scene, and the media seems that are using them in their favor, continuing to promote their spread and pervasiveness.

Keywords

Gender and Media