Md. Bazlur Rashid

The media plays a significant role in shaping and reflecting societal values, including constructing gender roles. In Bangladesh, a country with deep-rooted cultural traditions, the portrayal of gender in media has influenced and been influenced by the prevailing social norms.

Historically, Bangladeshi media has perpetuated traditional gender roles, reflecting the patriarchal nature of society. Men have often been portrayed as strong, authoritative figures, occupying roles that emphasise their dominance in both public and private spheres.

They are frequently depicted as breadwinners, leaders, and protectors, embodying bravery, intelligence, and assertiveness. Conversely, women are typically cast in supportive, nurturing roles, often confined to the domestic sphere. They are depicted as mothers, wives, and caregivers, embodying gentleness, obedience, and emotional sensitivity.

These portrayals are evident across various forms of media, including television dramas, films, and advertisements. In television dramas, for instance, female characters are often shown as dependent on their male counterparts, reinforcing that women’s primary identity is tied to their relationships with men. Even in news media, men dominate as experts and authoritative voices, while women are underrepresented or relegated to less significant roles.

The media’s reinforcement of traditional gender roles has profound implications for society. By repeatedly presenting stereotypical images of men and women, media narratives contribute to the normalisation of these roles, making them seem natural and inevitable. This reinforcement serves to maintain the status quo, where patriarchal values are upheld and gender inequalities are perpetuated.

Moreover, the portrayal of women in the media often emphasises physical appearance and beauty, reducing their value to their looks rather than their abilities or achievements. This objectification not only diminishes women’s roles in society but also places undue pressure on them to conform to unrealistic beauty standards. The focus on beauty and appearance further marginalises women, limiting their potential to be seen as equals to men in professional and intellectual capacities.

The impact of gendered media representations on the public’s perceptions cannot be overstated. When people are continuously exposed to these stereotypes, they internalise them, reinforcing gender biases in everyday life. For instance, young girls who see women predominantly portrayed as homemakers in the media may grow up believing their primary role in society is to be a wife and mother, thereby limiting their aspirations.

Similarly, boys who are exposed to media portrayals of men as aggressive and dominant may internalise these traits as essential to their masculinity, which can contribute to toxic masculinity and gender-based violence. The media’s influence extends beyond individual attitudes, shaping societal expectations and norms that dictate acceptable behaviours for men and women.

In recent years, however, there has been a gradual shift in how gender roles are represented in Bangladeshi media. The global feminist movement, increased awareness of gender issues, and the growing influence of social media primarily drive this change. These factors have contributed to a more nuanced portrayal of gender roles, challenging traditional stereotypes and offering more diverse representations of men and women.

Television dramas and films are beginning to feature more strong, independent female characters who pursue careers, make their own decisions, and challenge patriarchal norms. For example, female characters are increasingly depicted as professionals, such as doctors, lawyers, and business leaders, reflecting the growing participation of women in the workforce. Additionally, an increasing trend of depicting men in nurturing roles, such as stay-at-home fathers, challenges the traditional notion of masculinity.

The rise of social media has also played a crucial role in this shift. Social media platforms have provided a space for alternative narratives and voices that challenge mainstream media representations. Women, in particular, have used these platforms to express their views, share their stories, and advocate for gender equality. This has led to a more dynamic and diverse representation of gender roles in the media, emphasising equality and empowerment.

As the media continues to evolve, it has the potential to play a significant role in promoting gender equality in Bangladesh. By portraying more diverse and equitable gender roles, the media can challenge traditional norms and encourage societal change. For instance, by featuring stories of women breaking barriers in various fields, the media can inspire young girls to pursue their dreams and challenge the limitations imposed by traditional gender roles.

Similarly, by depicting men in roles that emphasise emotional intelligence, caregiving, and relationship equality, the media can help redefine masculinity in a way that promotes respect and partnership between genders. The media can also raise awareness of gender-based violence and other issues affecting women, contributing to a broader societal understanding and action against these injustices.

However, for the media to fulfil this potential, there must be a conscious effort to move beyond superficial changes and address the deeper structural issues that underpin gender inequality. This includes increasing the representation of women in media production, ensuring that women’s stories are told from their perspectives, and challenging the underlying assumptions perpetuating gender stereotypes.

Despite progress, significant challenges remain in achieving equitable gender representation in Bangladeshi media. One key challenge is the persistence of deeply ingrained cultural norms that resist change. Traditional values continue to influence media content, and there is often a reluctance to challenge these norms due to fears of backlash or loss of audience.

Moreover, the commercial nature of media production can also be a barrier to change. Media outlets driven by profit motives may hesitate to deviate from tried-and-tested formulas that appeal to a broad audience. As a result, they may continue to produce content that reinforces gender stereotypes rather than taking risks with more progressive portrayals.

Fostering a media environment that values diversity and inclusivity is essential to overcoming these challenges. This can be achieved through policy interventions, such as regulations promoting gender-sensitive content and initiatives supporting women's representation in media leadership roles. Media literacy programs can also play a vital role in empowering audiences to critically analyse media content and advocate for more equitable representations.

Furthermore, collaboration between media organisations, civil society, and gender rights advocates can help to create a more supportive environment for progressive gender representations. By working together, these stakeholders can challenge the status quo, promote gender equality, and contribute to the social transformation needed to achieve gender parity in Bangladesh.

The sociological analysis of gender roles in Bangladeshi media reveals a complex interplay between tradition and change. While traditional gender roles dominate media portrayals, there is a growing movement towards more equitable and diverse representations.

The media can shape societal values and perceptions, making it a critical tool in fighting gender equality. However, achieving this goal requires a concerted effort to challenge deep-rooted norms, promote diverse voices, and create a media landscape that genuinely reflects the diversity and potential of all members of society.

The writer is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Sociology, Tejgaon College, Dhaka.