Magazines: Representation and social contexts

 1) Write a definition of representation in media studies. Clue: The answer is in the notes above!

It is the combination of media language choices that construct the representation audiences see. Indeed, everything we see in the media is a re-presentation because the media intervene or stand between the object they are presenting and the audience and therefore they affect or ‘mediate’ every text we see!

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.

women

celebrities

pregnant women

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

The representation of women on this front cover suggest female audience would be interested because the magazine relates of female celebrities and female consumers.

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

The stereotype I can identify are motherhood private lifestyles.

5) Is there anything on the cover that subverts typical stereotypes in the media?
On the cover it shows about weight loss showing that the stereotype is saying that women have to lose weight.

6) What is the preferred reading of this magazine cover - what do the producers want audiences to think when they see it?
The Producers want the audience to think about female celebrities have in common with the female audience.

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

The oppositional audience think that the magazine is offended by the media is showing their lifestyle.

8) What are the social and cultural contexts to this magazine cover? What effect might this magazine have on readers or society?
The effect on the readers is that celebrities do the same thing as all audience do.