Childhood

Different ages groups tend to be represented in different ways in the media. Content analysis’ show that children are represented in six reoccurring stereotypes.

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Ages in the media

  • Different ages groups tend to be represented in different ways in the media. ​ 
  • There are three main types of stereotypes: ​ 
    • Childhood​. 
    • Youth.​ 
    • Older people.
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Children in the media

  • Children are represented in positive ways in the media.
  • Content analysis’ show that children are represented in six reoccurring stereotypes.
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Stereotypes

  1. Cute:
    • Commonly found in TV adverts selling baby products.
  2. Little devils:
    • Found in comedy and sitcoms.
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Stereotypes

  1. Brilliant:
    • Very intelligent children or children that have been heroic.
  2. Brave little angels:
    • Children with illnesses that are long term or terminal.
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Stereotypes

  1. Accessories:
    • Children can humanise celebrities or politicians in the public eye.
  2. Modern:
    • Children are very different to ‘the good old days'.

Youth and Elderly

Different ages groups tend to be represented in different ways in the media. ​Young and older people are presented in the media in quite negative ways.

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Ages in the media

  • Different ages groups tend to be represented in different ways in the media. ​ 
  • There are three main types of stereotypes: ​ 
    • Childhood​. 
    • Youth.​ 
    • Older people.
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Young people

  • Young people are seen as a problem group because the media portrays them as vandals. ​
  • The media tends not to praise the youth for their positive achievements.
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Cohen

  • Cohen found that youths were blamed for all problems in society and were used as a scapegoat.
  • Focusing on the negative aspects of young people means that the media ignore the real societal problems facing young people today.
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Wayne et al.

  • Wayne et al. argue that many of the problems that have been caused by the government are ignored in the media such as youth unemployment, youth homelessness and mental health.
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Older people

  • Older people are presented in the media in quite negative ways.
  • It is argued that older people are stereotyped more than any other group. ​
  • These stereotypes include being grumpy and a burden​ on society.
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Age Concern

  • The charity group Age Concern highlight that elderly people are underrepresented in the media, making them appear invisible in modern society.
  • In fact the opposite of this is occurring in society due to an ageing population and increased life expectancy.

Jump to other topics

1Theory & Methods

2Education with Methods in Context

3Option 1: Culture & Identity

4Option 1: Families & Households

5Option 1: Health

6Option 1: Work, Poverty & Welfare

7Option 2: Beliefs in Society

8Option 2: Global Development

9Option 2: The Media

10Crime & Deviance

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