Representation of women in the media and effect on body image

By

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I, [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

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ABSTRACT

Body image is considered as viewing one's overall physical appearance. People who have poor body image it results in greater body dissatisfaction. The purpose of the study is to determine the impact of media on the body image of women. Research shows that media influences have more of an impact on individuals than parental influences, especially while considering body image. The growing researches in the genre of body give an indication that the ultra thin ubiquitous and models exposure in advertising and media is leading to increase in dissatisfaction of body, majorly among the women. The media have been suggested as a significant influence on female attitudes and perceptions of their bodies. The movie Miss Representation is 2011 contribution of the under representation of women in influential positions by providing unfavourable portrays if women.The eating disorders are increasingly common; perhaps because of society's concerns with thinness. In conclusion, Body image is important in our society, and it is particularly amplified by the media.

Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background of the Study1

Purpose of the Study1

Significance of the Study1

Research Question2

Summary2

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW3

Media Influence on women3

Women learn that Looking Good is a Form of Currency3

The impact of model's body size on women's body4

Eating disorders and body image5

The cult of thinness7

The impact of model's body size in women's body9

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY11

Quantitative Research11

Sampling13

Research Ethics13

Reliability & Validity13

CHAPTER 4: DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS15

Survey Analysis15

Discussion26

Miss Representation26

Ideal body image portrayed by media27

Cult of thinness28

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION30

REFERENCES31

BIBLIOGRAPHY34

APPENDICES39

Questionnaire39

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Body image is considered as viewing one's overall physical appearance. People who have poor body image it results in greater body dissatisfaction. Body image is also considered to be a major risk factor for problems concerned with academic functioning, depression and eating disturbances. Furthermore, past studies show that females have been considered to have greater body dissatisfaction than males and they tend to engage in more social comparison. Research shows that media negatively impact body satisfaction in various ways. For example, studies expose that viewing images of thin individuals rather than plus-size individuals and average-size in mediums such as television programs, magazines and music videos result in a more negative body image and greater body dissatisfaction.

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of the study is to determine the impact of media on the body image of women.

Significance of the Study

Today, a high percentage of people watch television, read magazines and other media to keep them informed about the information on how to be the ideal woman.

Research shows that media influences have more of an impact ...