Representations of Age in the Media

1. Age & the Media
L.O:
To know the different representations of age through
then media

2. ONCE UPON A
TIME!
Up until the 15thcentury
children were viewed as
low status members of
the family. Children
were seen as people
Who should be ‘seen
and not heard.’ Working
class children were seen
as somewhat a financial
burden until they can
work.

3. TODAY!
In today’s society the
role of the child is more
dominant within the
household. It tends to
be the child that
makes the family.
Family life tends to be
centred around the
children.

4. This is where we now have
separate stages in the life course.
Childhood
Youth
Adulthood
Old Age

5. Media Representation of
Age
• McQueen (1998)
• The status of different age groups is
determined by economic circumstances
in Western society.
• Those in the middle (adults) have the
most status
• Any ideas as to why you think that is?

6. Childhood – Helpless/Innocent
Youth – Irresponsible/Rebellious
Adulthood –
Responsible/Conformist
Old Age – Vulnerable/Burdan

7. McQueen identifies the results from
a study on children's television.
• Commercial Strand – children are targeted as consumers of cartoons
and action programmes.
• Public Service Strand – educational programmes.
• Adult Strand – Acknowledges children like adult programmes
• Which strand do you think is in decline and which do you think is
growing?

8. Pearson (1983) identified
representations of youth.
• Youth tends to be depicted as a ‘problem’ in
the media. There is always a ‘GOLDEN Age’
which is normally around 20years ago which
the media tends to compare current youth
with. However Pearson found that no matter
what the date it is always 20 years ago when
this ‘golden age’ was.
1950’s

9. McQueen – Representation of the
Elderly
• 11% of the population who is aged over
65 only 2.3% of them are represented
in the media. When the elderly are
shown middle class white men are more
likely to be presented than women.
• Who does view point does this research
support?

10. Do you agree with these
depictions of age?
Discuss

11. AGEISM?

12. Challenging Age Stereotypes!!!
• http://www.mediaknowall.com/as_alevel/alev
keyconcepts/alevelkeycon.php?pageID=age