A Three Case Study: How the Media Portrays Women Senate Candidates

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to try to determine if gender bias is consistently evident in the media coverage of women Senate candidates. Special attention will be given to references made to attire, family responsibilities, qualifications, and competent vs. compassionate leadership, in order to determine how often these topics are related to each candidate’s ability to perform as Senators. This is done in order to identify possible historical and relevant patterns relating to the media's treatment of female political candidates. The articles will directly relate to the women included in the three case study: Carol Moseley-Braun, Susan Collins, and Maria Cantwell. Through researching relevant articles, it was found that gender bias is consistently prevalent in the media coverage of women Senate candidates. The information presented in this thesis shows that when newspapers show a gender bias in their articles they reinforce negative social stereotypes which could be damaging to the overall opinion formed by a potential voter. The reinforcement of social stereotypes has the capability of making a woman's Senate campaign seem less effective.

Notes

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Thesis Completion

2003

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Fine, Terri S.

Degree

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Degree Program

Political Science

Subjects

Arts and Sciences -- Dissertations, Academic;Dissertations, Academic -- Arts and Sciences;Women in mass media;Women in politics -- United States;Women legislators -- United States

Format

Print

Identifier

DP0021787

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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