Magazines: Introduction to Representation

1) Write a definition of representation in media studies. Clue: The answer is in the notes above!    Representation is the way media is portrayed in the world and how stories and fact are presented in certain ways.

2) Now look at the cover of Closer magazine above. List all different types of people and groups represented on the front cover. E.g. women, celebrities, race/ethnicity etc.

Types of people and groups in the front cover are : women, female celebrities ,pregnant women and an average British family.

3) What does the representation of women on this front cover suggest female audiences are mainly interested in?

The representation of women in the front cover indicates female audience are mainly interested in motherhood, celebrity gossip and weight-loss.

4) Are there any stereotypes you can identify? E.g. women and motherhood; celebrities etc.

The stereotypes are that women should become mothers and they will then finally enjoy life happily.

5) Is there anything on the cover that subverts typical stereotypes in the media?
The gossip about Cheryl Chole dating could be seen as subverted topic as the rest of the front cover of the magazine seems to suggest that women should get married and have children to be happy.

6) What is the preferred reading of this magazine cover - what do the producers want audiences to think when they see it?
The preferred reading of the magazine cover would be that there could be celebrity gossip and tips for a happy marriage inside.

7) What is the oppositional reading of this magazine cover - how might someone criticise this magazine cover or be offended by it?

The oppositional reading would be that the magazine would be filled with fabricated so called facts so women could see the cover and feel drawn to it reading the gossip and headlines.

8) What are the social and cultural contexts to this magazine cover? What effect might this magazine have on readers or society?

The social context would be that the magazine persuades women into wanting children and becoming a mother for happiness this affects society by changing there perception of that they should look making it unrealistic. The cultural context would be the idea that relationships fix and mend happiness whereas not everyone can and will be willing to make on method work. The influence the audience might be put through would be changing themselves to fit into the represented mould so they would be perfect.