Understanding the Influence of Media on Body Image Perception
The media plays a significant role in shaping perceptions of body image, influencing how individuals view themselves and others. This article explores the impact of media portrayal on body image perceptions in both men and women, discussing the positive and negative influences of media representation on self-esteem and societal values. It delves into the relationship between media, sports, and body image, highlighting how the portrayal of the "perfect body" can lead to distorted perceptions and societal pressures. Through discussions on body types, behaviors, and the media's influence, this content sheds light on the complexities surrounding body image in today's society.
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Presentation Transcript
MEDIA & BODY IMAGE
BODY TYPE 3 BROAD CATEGORIES ECTOMORPH MESOMORPH ENDOMORPH MUSCULAR & WELL BUILT. HIGH METABOLISM & RESPONSIVE MUSCLE CELLS. HIGH BODY FAT (OFTEN PEAR- SHAPED). HIGH TENDENCY TO STORE FAT LONG & LEAN, WITH DIFFICULTY BUILDING MUSCLE WEIGHTLIFTING RUGBY (FRONT ROW) MARATHON RUNNER
BODY IMAGE THOUGHTS, FEELINGS & PERCEPTIONS ABOUT APPEARANCE. PERSONAL EVALUATION OF SELF & OTHERS TYPICALLY BASED ON BODY WEIGHT, SIZE, SHAPE & APPEARANCE. 1 4 2 3 BEHAVIOURAL THE THINGS YOU DO IN RELATION TO THE WAY YOU LOOK PERCEPTUAL THE WAY YOU SEE YOURSELF AFFECTIVE THE WAY YOU FEEL ABOUT THE WAY YOU LOOK COGNITIVE THE THOUGHTS & BELIEFS YOU FEEL ABOUT YOUR BODY PEOPLE WHO FEEL SELF-CONSCIOUS & ANXIOUS ABOUT APPEARANCE: PREFER TO EXERCISE ALONE & EXPERIENCE LOWER LEVELS OF SATISFACTION. COACHES, SPONSORS, FANS, MEDIA FAMILY & PEERS HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY. NEGATIVE COMMENTS CAN IMPACT BODY IMAGE SPORTS THAN ARE JUDGED ON LEANNESS (E.G.: GYMNASTICS)- HIGHER RATE OF EATING DISORDERS. STUDIES HAVE SHOWN THAT WOMEN ARE MORE DISSATISFIED WITH EXCESS WEIGHT THAN MEN. MALES TEND TO BE MORE SATISFIED WITH THEIR BODY IMAGE THAN FEMALES. MEN ARE MORE DISSATISFIED WITH THINNESS THAN WOMEN.
INFLUENCES OF THE MEDIA POSITIVE INFLUENCES NEGATIVE INFLUENCES CELEBRATE EFFORT & SUCCESS, INTRUDE ON ATHLETE S PRIVACY NOT JUST PHYSICAL STATURE. PROMOTE HEALTHY, ACTIVE UNDERMINE PEOPLE S CONFIDENCE LIFESTYLES SHOWCASE SPORT S POSITIVE SHOWCASE NEGATIVE VALUES & BEHAVIOUR VALUES POSITIVE & INSPIRING ROLE FOCUS ON BODY IMAGE RATHER THAN SUCCESS MODELS MOTIVATE PEOPLE TO TAKE EDIT IMAGES SO THE MAY BE INCOMPLETE OR BIASED PART REINFORCE INEQUALITY BY LIMITING COVERAGE TO TRADITIONAL SPORTS OR SOCIAL GROUPS. PUBLICISE A VARIETY OF SPORTS, ACTIVITIES, SHAPES & SIZES.
MEDIA & BODY IMAGE: THE PERFECT BODY MEDIA & BODY IMAGE: THE PERFECT BODY Media has power to shape public beliefs and values. It s portrayal of the perfect body is one of the factors responsible for distorted body image perceptions in both men and women. Sport media influences people s opinions by emphasizing certain aspects of female sport but ignoring others. Manipulates how spectators view women s sport and impacts public opinion on athletes. Media often focuses on sex appeal & femininity over athletic accomplishments. Publish altered images that can pressurize girls & boys to look a certain way. Portrayal of gender appropriate sports. Female athletes who conformto society s expectations of femininity receive greater benefits than those who do not. E.g.: Anna Kournikova: Has never won a major tennis tournament yet receives more in endorsements than many other higher-ranked tennis players ($50 million net worth in 2018).
BODY IMAGE & HEALTH BODY IMAGE & HEALTH Media constantly portrays images of what is and what is not deemed attractive by promoting certain body & beauty standards, making girls who do not meet these standards feel less confident about playing a sport. Lack of body confidence can lead girls to question their physical abilities & result in higher drop-out rates. Media also focuses on the attractiveness of being muscular for males which has increased pressure on males to meet these body image ideals . Boys are taught from a young age to be a man , just as much as girls are bombarded with femininity . Message to boys is that they need to have a tall, toned, muscular physique in order to be masculine. Influences the participation levels across a range of sports, with boys feeling pressured to opt for more traditionally masculine sports and activities.
THE POWER TO BE POSITIVE! Media can have a positive impact on sport when the emphasis is on improving health & wellbeing. Studies have shown that women find the lack of focus on health & fitness discouraging when it comes to participation in physical activity. Media that emphasized athletic skill over body image has a much more positive influence on participation levels of both male and females. Promoting athleticism and capabilities, particularly of women, through physical activity inspires female participation to improve personal fitness levels. Helps combat the emphasis on an unrealistic body image.
Sample Exam Questions Sample Exam Questions Drawing upon one physical activity that you have studied, investigate whether gender stereotypes are maintained by the media. Suggest two ways these gender stereotypes could be overcome. Define the term body image . Explain how body image can impact both positively and negatively on a person s participation levels in physical activity or sport.
Video Listen to Catlin Davis Fisher, a professional soccer player in Brazil, speak about body image of female athletes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zj-oJqQYQXM This video shows men discussing their battle with body image. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN7F_374dNM