Date of Award

12-31-2014

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Specialization

Communication and Leadership

School or Department

School of Leadership Studies

First Advisor

Dr. Carolyn Cunningham

Second Advisor

Dr. Kristina Morehouse

Abstract

The representation of women in media, specifically the way in which political women are represented in news coverage, can have a significant impact on how consumers view political women. This study analyzed the online newspaper articles and images of two women who are active in politics, Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton. While there are many women in the political arena, these two are perhaps the most well-known. This study is grounded in the theory of framing, and also applies Tuchman’s (1978) theory of symbolic annihilation. This study used coding, image analysis, and critical discourse analysis to attempt to uncover gendered language and images used by media when covering women in politics. Results indicate gendering of the two subjects, most predominantly using the Mother stereotype. For example, Clinton’s status as a new grandmother was portrayed as a strategy for her to help candidates garner votes. Incidences of the Iron Maiden and the Pet stereotype also were noted in the sample. However, further study on gendered language and images in news articles is warranted.

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