The document discusses common stereotypes of women portrayed in media. Women are often shown as romantic or sexual interests for men, with their significance dependent on men. They frequently play supporting roles to male protagonists. Stereotypes include the "dumb blonde" who is air-headed, less intelligent, and heavily sexualized. The housewife is married, takes care of the home and children, and is portrayed as beautiful but not sexy. The independent woman is involved in workplace romances and shown as strong in positions of power.

1. Women in Media
Stereotypes

2. Stereotypes
 Women are often portrayed as romantic or sexual
interests
 This creates the message that women’s actions and
significance are dependent on men
 This is reinforced by the lack of female protagonists in all
forms of media
 This is evident also in the fact that a lot of women play
the roles of deuteragonists, an example of this is
Watch_Dogs’s Clara
 They are often also quite attractive
 Women are often emotionally sensitive in
comparison to men
 Often a objectified as a “prize”

3. The “Dumb Blonde”
 Often an air-headed character
 Over-emphasised in parody movies in particular
 Less intelligent
 This emphasises and is emphasised by their air-
headedness
 Most often heavily sexualised
 There is variation, as some are voluptuous and others
are skinny
 Also often where skimpy clothing, heavy make-up,
etc.
 Makes women seem more like an object of sexuality

4. Housewife
 Married
 In the case of younger couples, this is often to a
business-oriented man/rich man, which cements the
stereotype of being a prize
 Has children
 Often looks after the house and children often, thus
doesn’t have a job
 Faithful
 Shown as “beautiful” as opposed to “sexy”
 This creates a platonic element to the character,
which increases their value when objectified

5. The Independent
 Often involved in office/workplace romances
 Independent
 Sometimes used satirically to mock women who
believe they are independent by
 Strong and fortified
 Often shown as strict in positions of power, such as as
a boss or a teacher