Literature review- Edited version

I have compiled all 4 of our literature reviews and made it 1 piece. Please give some comments :)


Various portrayals of stereotypes are being widely circulated in the media, which happens to be an aspect of the society that ought to be put into some consideration. The mere fact that these representations are being exposed to a wide range of young audience makes the matter more severe as it could lead to a breakdown of social order.

How men are supposed to be in society is clearly conveyed through stereotypes, embedded in entertainment and various media outlets, such as magazines, movies and television. Hence, it has a great tendency of changing the mindset of the readers, especially young people, who often begin to apply this knowledge blindly to refine their lives.

Stereotypes are used mainly to save thought about people or objects (Plotnik, 2005). Teenagers save thoughts in their mind about other teenagers appear in the media and feel that unless they look as perfect as the models do, they are not good enough. (The Effects of Magazines on the Self-Esteem and Portrayal of Stereotypes in Teenagers, Thomas Waltz, 2004).

Advertisements on certain products and information, which are only displayed by the most physically attractive models, have been quite a norm for a while in the media. Every day millions of teenagers are exposed to such carriers for negative stereotypes directed at both men and women. "Our study shows that boys are exposed relentlessly to a narrow, confining picture of masculinity in America, one that reinforces anger and violence as the way to solve problems." (Dr. William Pollack, co-director of the Center for Men at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School)
Male stereotypes are common in many parts of the world. Take Asia for instance, in the article, “The Shared Imagination of Bishōnen, Pan-East Asian Soft Masculinity”, the author states that “Television commercials, dramas and billboards have glorified pretty boys.” In recent years, advertisement models with pretty boy images strongly attracts young female visually, as soft masculinity gives an impression of being caring and gentle. (Sun Jung , 2009).

Advertisements tend to promote the possession of various things as a valuable, essential attribute to have, while lowering the self-esteem of men who do not own the trendiest fashions or have perfect six-pack abs. A 2002 study by the University of Wisconsin suggests that this new focus on fit and muscled male bodies is causing men the same anxiety and personal insecurity that women have felt for decades. (Boys To Men: Media Messages About Masculinity).This problem has caused young audiences to often develop self-esteem problems, as they prefer to look like the unrealistically portrayed models. Such negative stereotypes of people have a negative effect on personal interpretation of young people.

In the article “How do Media Images of Men Affect Our Lives?” S. Femiano and M. Nickerson, (1989) writes, “Bravery, adventurousness, being able to think rationally, being strong and effective, for example, are all "manly" traits that are usually encouraged. So also is the ability to think independently and take the initiative.”
Practices of personalities which are deemed unmanly are discouraged. “ability to feel… fear, hurt, confusion or despair… talking about these feelings is considered unmanly. Men are also not encouraged to learn to work cooperatively without the need for control, to love in a nonsexual way, to have friendships or to solve conflicts without violence.” (S. Femiano & M. Nickerson, 1989). Those who strayed from these constricted masculine guidelines feel as though they will face discrimination.

A lot of research has been done over the years focusing on the severity of media stereotypes. Surveys and researches conducted on male stereotypes revealed that most of the young audience witnessed a gradual change in their lives. Most these research place the spotlight on the surface of the issue but few offers a solution to cure this issue.

In the context of this research, the influence of the male stereotypes on youth is studied based on the feedback by them regarding this issue. Through their feedback, the severity of such male stereotypes on the youth’s lifestyle can be determined.

-yuet hee