The Media: Obstacle or Ally of Feminists?

Abstract

Under certain circumstances, media treatment can serve as an obstacle to women's achievement of their political goals. In other circumstances, the news media can act as an additional resource. It is quite clear that the early media coverage of the women's movement did not help the movement to grow. In fact, the press coverage of the women's movement, when there was any at all, was unflattering, and the movement grew in spite of the media. Similarly, the media treat men and women candidates differently in their campaign coverage, and this differential treatment can hinder women's access to the political arena. On the other hand, the discovery of the gender gap and its prominent play in the press probably helped women in the political arena. The media, by emphasizing the significance of the so-called women's vote, made women appear to be a more potent force in the electorate.