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
Identifier
DP0021787
Language
English
Access Status
Open Access
Length of Campus-only Access
None
Document Type
Honors in the Major Thesis
Recommended Citation
Miles, Sandra Y., "A Three Case Study: How the Media Portrays Women Senate Candidates" (2003). HIM 1990-2015. 339.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/honorstheses1990-2015/339