Media representations often reinforce ________, which are societal expectations of behavior and appearance associated with femininity and masculinity.

Media representations often reinforce gender roles, which are the societal expectations of behavior and appearance that we associate with being female or male. For example, movies often show women as nurturing and caring, while men are portrayed as strong and assertive. This can shape how people think they should act and look based on their gender. When children see these stereotypes repeated in media, they might feel pressured to fit into these roles, even if it doesn't reflect who they really are. Understanding this influence helps us recognize the importance of diverse representations that challenge traditional ideas of femininity and masculinity.