Introduction
The role played by gender can be described as socially constructed. The behavior and personality of an individual is defined by the society he or she comes from. Television perpetuates most of the gender stereotypes in the societies. Cultural expectations portrayed male as highly achievers and dominant while female are supposed to be obedient and accommodating
A conventional gender stereotype is encouraged mostly by Television since it focuses on dominants social values. Gender inequality is commonly practiced by most of the television programs which are dominated by men the same way it happens in our societies. This influence gender sensitivity and instead instinctively reproduced a consistent masculine perception in the programs being shown (Craig, S. (ed.), 1992).
Main body
It is believed that most of the programs aired are explicitly built and interpreted from a muscular angle. Observers frequently identify with the male characters rather than females in the narrative. This kind of inclined viewing of television is imperceptible and primarily indisputably biased.
Most of the television programs portrayed men’s world and females tend to shift from their own view. Actors and directors have argued that female presenter or characters in the programs are not likely to be given attention by the observers. However, it is important to note that female have got more physical personality as compared to men. According to Durkin, K., (1985) female especially between the age group 8 and 12 give more attention to the male characters than the female one, while boys are not ideally influenced by the sex of the character in the programs.
Sigourney Weaver in Aliens is one of such programs aired that have low number of women playing a key role. However, men dominate the scene and are shown to be more authoritative and aggressive as compared to female. They more often drive, drink, smoke, participate in most of the games and implement policies. They dominate world of things rather than affiliation.
There are few female shown on this program compared to male. The ratio of male characters to female is 4:1. Male also are seen to be positioned in most demanding role. This is in contrast to the fact that in the real sense female out numbered male in the current world. Therefore, demographic realities are not clearly shown by the television programs as expected.
Most female in this programs are restricted to few roles. Male play extensive and stimulating roles, while domestic roles are done by female. Majority of the males are shown as employed, have higher status and are less often found at home. Even at the work places few females are seen to holding high positions in the organization. They lead unhappy and hopeless personal lives. This distribution and status of women as shown in the programs reflect the actual thing in the real world. Curran, J. & Michael G., (ed.) (1991) observed that feminine is known to lag behind in almost everything with only a few exceptions.
Conclusion
The portrayal of male and female on television can be greatly regarded as conventional and stereotypical in nature. This encouraged gender roles polarization with female seen as being emotional, cautious and supportive and observance. Male on the other hand are associated with rationality, competence, personal, merciless and efficient character. In this case this program largely reflects customary patriarchal concept of gender. Conventional masculinity for example, is viewed as natural, usual, and worldwide, where as in the real sense, this is just particular construction. In this regard attention should be taken to regulate and abolish programs being aired on television and gender stereotype quality be put into practice.
Works Cited
Craig, S. (ed.) Men masculinity and the media: Newbury Park, CA: Sage, 1991.
Curran, J. & Michael G. (ed.) Mass media and society: London: Edward Arnold, 1991.
Durkin, K. Television, sex roles and children: Milton Keynes, 1981.