Examining the Effects of Hegemonic Depictions of Female Bodies on Television: A Call for Theory and Programmatic Research

• Published in: Critical studies in mass communication Vol. 19; no. 1; pp. 106 - 123
• Main Author: Hendriks, Alexandra
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.03.2002
• Subjects: Body Image; Females; Mass Media Effects; Mass Media Images; Programming (Broadcast); Television
• ISSN: 0739-3180

Although the media effects literature was precocious in its development, appearing almost as soon as the object of its study, researchers have focused on a relatively narrow array of effects. Examples include the effects of violent, pornographic, & sexual content in the media & minority stereotyping. This review demonstrates the need for researchers to construct stronger theories & conduct more programmatic research on another important, yet often ignored, media effect -- the effect of ideal televised images on females' perceptions of, & satisfaction with, their own bodies. To accomplish its purposes, the paper begins with a review of the body image literature, including a discussion of current televised representations of female bodies & their effects on body satisfaction. Next, the paper argues that researchers should refer to two prominent media effects theories (cultivation theory & social cognitive theory) to better understand the process by which TV influences body image. This latter review leads to ethical considerations & conclusions regarding probable effects of TV on women's body satisfaction. 80 References. Adapted from the source document.