MIGRAIN: Feminist theory

FEMINIST THEORY

 Media Magazine reading - two articles on feminism and theory

- Playing With The Past: Post-feminism and the Media (MM40, page 64) :

1) What examples are provided from the two texts of the 'male gaze' (Mulvey)?

2) Do texts such as these show there is no longer a need for feminism or are they simply sexism in a different form?

3) Choose three words/phrases from the glossary of the article and write their definitions on your blog.

Now read The Theory Drop: Gender Performativity (MM69, page 25) and answer the following questions.

1) How does the writer suggest gender performativity is established from a young age?

2) What does the phrase 'non-binary' refer to and how does it link to Butler's theory?

3) How and why does the media help reinforce gender stereotypes? The writer provides several examples in the final section of the article.


Music video analysis

Finally, write up our analysis of the two music videos we studied in class. This is your opportunity to develop your own opinions on these crucial media debates. If you're not sure on any of these theories, look at the theory notes above to help you.

Watch the Beyonce video for ‘Why Don’t You Love Me?’: 

1) How might this video contribute to Butler’s idea that gender roles are a ‘performance’?

2) What might van Zoonen suggest regarding the representation of women in this video?

3) What are YOUR views on this debate – does Beyonce empower women or reinforce the traditional ‘male gaze’ and oppression of women?