The acquisition of one’s social skills in the present-day world is complicated by numerous stereotypes. From the perspective of symbolic interactionism, this process implies the creation of subjective meaning under the influence of media, which does not correspond to reality. This mechanism is illustrated by the film “Tough Guise 2,” in which any kind of virtue attributed to male citizens is replaced with perceived masculinity.
The interdependency of media and people’s views on men and women in socialization can also be described by functionalism. According to this doctrine, the stereotypes add to people’s desire to ensure the stability of their lives, whereas their credibility is disregarded. For example, the idea of youth, beauty, and sexuality ascribed solely to females undermines the efforts of their male counterparts to demonstrate these qualities.
In turn, this tendency is explained by ethnocentrism applicable to the differences between them emphasized by media. The support of this idea implies evaluating others through the lens of adopted misconceptions, and it helps understands the violence of men towards women. The former cannot form an adequate attitude towards the latter due to the learned stereotypes, and the only option for them is direct hostility.
The effects of media can also be seen in these events since they originate from the lack of resources as per the conflict theory. It is obvious that all people cannot have equal conditions, for example, at work. Meanwhile, spreading the information regarding the differences in the levels of pay contributes to the problem regarding the socialization of girls and boys growing up in this environment.
Finally, the issues emerging from the lack of understanding between men and women are worsened by the media through demonstrating the improper social norms which are adopted by them. As per the theory of sanctions, they evoke the desire in people to enforce compliance with these principles. The failure to do so is viewed as a threat, and male violence can be partially explained by this phenomenon.