The media has become one of the largest platforms for news dissemination in the last few decades. It shapes opinions, beliefs, and behaviours of individuals and society (The Power of Media: Shaping Society’s Narrative, 2023) as a whole. It has the power to mobilise the public and drive necessary change. This paper explores how the media circulates gendered narratives about women in politics, oftentimes using frames of emotion, competence and authority. With a comprehensive review of literature and research studies, it examines the stark contrast in representation of male and female politicians in news platforms. From sensational headlines, linguistic contempt, to emphasis on outward appearance, women, to a fault, are underrepresented in every phase of their political journey. Through these news stories, historical bias and gender norms are reinforced, continuing the vicious cycle. News outlets have the power to sway public opinion and shape public perception, which should be used to create a positive image of female politicians, rather than bring them down. This paper aims to call for a collective reconsideration of how women leaders are framed and perceived, emphasising the need for fact-based, unbiased news narratives.
Shaina Sabharwal (Wed,) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: