My writing samples : Representation of Gender on Social Media

Representation of Gender on Social Media

Gender issues that have been persistent in the society are now projected on social media. Given the gendered history of digital technologies, social media platforms have continued to articulate unique affordances for gender performance. Social media users exploit any opportunities to enact traditional gender roles and socialize other users to propagate the gender stereotypes (Webb & Temple, 2015). Some users are keen to note the gendered nature of social media and advocates for the liberation of gender victims. Social media also, directly and indirectly, advocates for equality of both sexes in social aspects. A conversation on twitter between a female musician-Rihanna- and her follower who is also a female expresses gender issues that are constantly expressed in social media. The social constructivism theory provides an explanatory framework to analyze the conversation for gender issues. Using the social constructivism framework, this essay will explore and analyze the presentation of gender in social media.
Summary of Sources

Webb, L. M., & Temple, N. (2015). Social Media and Gender Issues. Discrimination and Diversity, 1218-1250. doi:10.4018/978-1-5225-1933-1.ch056

The article reports scientific research on how social media presents gender issues. The source also offers an explanation of the Performance Theory as an explanatory basis. With scientific data, the source explains the assigning of traditional sex roles and gender stereotypes on social media platforms. The article explores Facebook blogs and online games given that they are exemplifiers of social media platforms that propagate stereotypical gender performance.

Van Oosten, J. M., Vandenbosch, L., & Peter, J. (2017). Gender roles on social networking sites: investigating reciprocal relationships between Dutch adolescents’ hypermasculinity and hyperfemininity and sexy online self-presentations. Journal of Children and Media, 11(2), 147-166. doi:10.1080/17482798.2017.1304970

The article notes that adolescents play stereotypical gender roles on social media observed from one’s self-presentation. The article observed that endorsing a stereotypical gender role either hypermasculinity or hyperfemininity predisposed adolescents to self-present as ‘sexy’ and observes others presentation of ‘sexy’.

Isaacs, L. (2013). Social constructivism and collaborative learning in social networks: the case of an online masters programme in adult learning. Retrieved from http://etd.uwc.ac.za/xmlui/handle/11394/5130

The source provides a detailed explanation regarding social constructivism and its role in learning using social networks. It explores social constructivist theory and will be useful in providing a conceptualization framework to explain the text chosen.

Text Summary and Conceptualization Framework

In the tweet conversation between the singer and her fan, the fan initiates a conversation with Rihanna expressing her disappointment in the artist. The fan’s disappointments resulted from an outfit that the celebrity wore previously and made a public appearance. Rihanna responded to the tweet by commenting that the fan’s sexual drive was too low to match Rihanna’s level of testosterone. The singer refers to herself as having the male genitalia and notes that in an intercourse, the fan would not endure the experience. The statement is said metaphorically to warn the fan that she is in no position to direct what Rihanna does or wears. The tweet was retweeted about 40000 times and liked almost 35000 times. The conversation and the reaction it received provides a clear indication of gender presentation in the social media society.

The tweet can be understood and analyzed using the social constructivism theory. The theory states that people learn through social interaction and use of language. As such, knowledge exists within a society as opposed to an individual’s experience. In the context of this text, the theory proposes that social media is a product of social interaction. As such, the platform is constructed and changed in accordance to social rules including gender roles and stereotypes.

Analysis

The text chosen presents a different use of language to create the desired meaning. In the text, the fan tells Rihanna that she should learn some fashion lessons and start wearing some clothes. In the reply, the singer claims to have male genitalia. Using language, Rihanna claims more power by assuming a male position in the conversation and tells off the fan. The two, use language to intimidate each other within acceptable social bonds. Interestingly, a lot of people liked and retweeted the chat. Ideally the response that Rihanna offered can be seen to be powerful and commanding. According to Isaacs, (2013), social constructivism argues that language has the power to construct and perpetuate meanings and concepts like gender stereotypes. The logic explains the followers’ behavior to like and retweet Rihanna’s response.

Rihanna’s response had a significant impact on the society as it was liked by a lot of her followers. The response undermined the message that the fan was sending. In their work, Van, Vandenbosch, & Peter, (2017) found a direct relationship between hyper-gender orientation and individual’s self-presentation and view of others’ self-presentation. Rihanna ‘s response is adored by others and most feel the need to self-present themselves in a similar manner. The language is quite impacting on people of both genders. In a way, Rihanna enhances male superiority when she refers to herself possessing male genitalia and hence superior. The singer’s followers reinforce this aspect by liking and retweeting the response.

References

Webb, L. M., & Temple, N. (2015). Social Media and Gender Issues. Discrimination and Diversity, 1218-1250. doi:10.4018/978-1-5225-1933-1.ch056

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Friday, November 2, 2018

Representation of Gender on Social Media

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