Man - I feel like a woman! : a qualitative analysis of the representation of men in the media and men's reactions to the changing gender roles

Abstract

This study discusses the different types of Men's Movements dedicated to helping men redefine and come to terms with their masculinity in a time of changing gender roles. Apart from discussing the elements which make up masculinity nowadays, the aim of this dissertation is to focus on the media as an agent of socialisation. Sex role stereotypes are constructed and nurtured by the media and this study focuses on the changes of these stereotypes. This dissertation discusses men's reactions to these images, their degree of identification with them and tries to discover whether men feel pressured by the caring successful 'new man' image. The study concludes with the analysis of the data obtained through the implementation of a qualitative research approach, utilising focus groups and talking to men from two generations, and the findings extracted from it. Secondly I used in-depth interviews in order to engage in a deeper narrative.