Media’s Gender Bias in Political Sphere in Zimbabwe
Author : Muleya Jameson Denzilizium and Ziweya Progress
Abstract :
The media is one of the most powerful and pervasive of the agents of socialisation; through its messages, the society’s perception is constantly influenced either negatively or positively. Embedded within our day to day lifestyle, different forms of media are largely unfair, stereotypical and limiting in presenting women than they do with men. This is evidenced by the available statistics in media coverage of both women and men on any given issue, (Wood, 1994; pp. 31). In Zimbabwe, there are several issues that are skewed by media reporting for either personal or collective reasons. This paper will delve into how the media is biased towards gender when presenting issues related to men and women in Zimbabwean politics, specifically those vying for political office and those already in political positions. Men and women are stereotypically depicted in ways that mirror and endorse how gender is socially viewed, for instance those that purport men’s natural ability to lead and women’s perfect fit for domestic and care work. Media in Zimbabwe also has a tendency of normalising skewed or incorrect reporting that works against women through its depictions that either lack context or use loaded language in presenting women. The opinion of the media is powerful in a way that commands respect from society; it should therefore be put into cognisance that if media are used properly they can be an effective instrument to reverse long standing destructive views and or stereotypes in society. This paper therefore, presents the skewedness of Media in Zimbabwe’s political area.
Keywords :
Media, gender, politics, media’s gender bias
