How often do you see women depicted as the main characters throughout various forms of media? When female characters appear in a show, are they usually cast in supporting roles—frequently showcasing affection and submission toward the male characters? This issue is not limited to a single film or franchise, as they reflect societal norms that stem from exposure to outdated beliefs. The constant influence can alter perceptions, leading to negative ideas from an early age. Although society seeks means of education and improvement, what is only said and isn’t changed doesn’t change how women are portrayed on screen.

When stereotypes become normalized, they confine women to predefined roles. An example is the “damsel in distress,” often portraying women as weak, helpless, or needing to be saved by men, much like princesses in fairy tales or female characters in movies who require male saviours. This supports the notion that women depend on men for protection and decision-making. Another example is the “nurturing mother,” where women are expected to be naturally nurturing and mother-like. Their “purpose” is being responsible for raising children and tending to family needs—the cliché that suggests women belong in the kitchen. These depictions restrict women’s identities and influence people’s views, leading them to believe that women possess fewer capabilities and roles compared to men. When a younger audience is exposed to these ideals, they adopt beliefs that limit the truth and undermine the severity of what these portrayals convey.

Objectification is another normalized idea—portraying women as merely objects or just their bodies rather than an individual who has ambition, emotions, and ideas. This practice dehumanizes women by reducing them to only their physical appearance and highlights the idea that their worth lies in just their beauty. Whether through interactions, movies, or fashion, it causes women to be viewed and dealt with like personal items that men can leverage when they please.

It goes beyond depictions in media as well, affecting social connections such as school and work settings. Research indicates that objectification of women tends to lead toward self-esteem and body image. It also increases the likelihood of being viewed as less deserving of respect and harassment. These problems contribute to the disempowerment women deal with to simply be acknowledged for their accomplishments and talents with the constant emphasis that they are worth less.

The damage that has come from stereotyping, objectifying, and sexualizing women still needs to be dealt with—requiring a shift in culture. These portrayals need to be challenged to not only represent and empower women, but to also criticize the media to educate and promote gender equality.

Sources:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10218532/

https://researchblog.duke.edu/2017/08/04/sizing-up-hollywoods-gender-gap/ 

https://www.cnn.com/2017/06/29/health/gender-stereotypes-media-children-partner/index.html https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6707629/#:~:text=Women%20who%20are%20objectified%20are,treatment%20by%20others%20%5B8%5D.