ABSTRACT
This chapter begins with a definition of media and media representation. It provides a feminist critique of both sides of the debate and, in particular, the part that media representation plays in the ongoing construction of gender. The chapter discusses what is known about media representation from a feminist perspective to a sample textual analysis that teachers might do for themselves, using materials from their own classrooms. A point worth bearing in mind is that from a social constructionist view of media representation, meaning does not lie in things or events. The turn to audience research, which characterizes the majority of feminist media studies is seen as both empowering and potentially fraught with danger. Respecting students' choices in media texts is an important step toward becoming a self-reflexive literacy educator. The chapter concludes with an example of a textual analysis that incorporates activities for critiquing media representation from a feminist perspective.
