Characteristics - Gender

Characteristics

These are the archetypical labels attached to both gender by society.

 

Men are seen as the following:

• Masculine
• Controlling
• Stoic
• Strong
• Possessive
• Power
• Confrontational

Whereas Woman are seen as the following:

• Feminine
• Emotional
• Innocent
• Honest
• Vulnerable
• Subordinate
• Narcissistic
• Promiscuous
• Home Maker
• Independent
• Weak

Archetypes can be universally understood and are well recognised in traditional stories. They are known as 'The Original Model'.

Generic Types: In relation to specific genres (crime, drama, period drama etc). Characters which offer a means of discussing contemporary society by using 'stock' characters. They are understood in relation to other media texts in the same genre, rather than referencing the 'real world' E.g. 'the gay best friend in a Rom Com' or 'the antagonistic henchman in an action film'.

Stereotype: Judging someone before you meet and judging certain people regardless of their personality. This can be determined from dress, speech and behaviour etc. The saying 'Don't judge a book by its cover' can be associated with stereotypes.