The portrayal of women on television : a comparative study between a Maltese and an American television series

Abstract

This qualitative study focuses on the way the media portrays women. Very often the way women are depicted in the media is stereotypical and inaccurate. In the earlier years images of women in the media were sexist and although there is less obvious sexism today, covert sexism still exists in today's media. Women are portrayed in traditional roles such as housewives and mothers and still portrayed as submissive, emotional and weak. Through the constant repetition of one type of image of women the media has created the ideal image of women. Sexualised images of women are very common in the media and these have a very negative effect on women as well on young girls. This study focuses on a Maltese and an American series.