Critical/Cultural Studies of Communication/Media

Critical and cultural studies offer invaluable insight as to how communication affects media and vice-versa. While there are currently hundreds of studies taking place that attempt to establish basic premises about new media, nationwide advertising campaigns and interpersonal communicative development, critical analysis is needed to develop raw data into usable information. In the blogs in this category, we will discuss new studies from leading media and communication experts and offer our own take on the latest research and critical theory. We will explore the findings of some of the top researchers in media/communication fields and try to develop a better understanding of the ways that we interact and how our Internet, television and print media can affect our interactions.

Newspaper Endorsements Influence Voters [Study]

August 18, 2011 coms 0

Voters might like to think that they cannot be swayed by the influence of media endorsements, but Brian Knight and Chun Fang Chiang, researchers at Brown University, recently published a study in The Review of Economic Studies which states that media endorsements do have a significant effect of the decisions of voters.

The Digital Divide in Online Content Production [Study]

August 1, 2011 coms 0

Despite the ease of access to the internet and social networks, a recent University of California, Berkeley, study has found that most web content is produced by the world wide web’s more affluent users. According to Jen Schradie, the author of the study and a researcher at the university’s Berkeley Center for New Media, most web content is still produced by individuals with higher income and higher levels of education.

Viewing Idealized Body Images Temporarily Increases Personal Body Satisfaction [Study]

July 27, 2011 coms 0

A recent study suggests that viewing ideal female body types can initially provide improved body image satisfaction. However, some notable behavior changes occurred in the women reporting significant increases in body image satisfaction: These participants made dietary alterations during the course of the study, including methods such as decreasing carbohydrate intake and meal skipping.

Children’s Books May Favor Males As Lead Characters, But That Is Improving Considerably [Study]

July 9, 2011 coms 0

Children’s books communicate our culture’s values, ideas, and beliefs to young minds. They teach young kids morals, but just what do they teach about gender roles? In the largest study ever conducted on children’s books, researchers found that there is a bias towards male characters.

Male and Female Rappers Have Two Different Perspectives About the Definition of the “Independent Woman”

June 8, 2011 coms 0

Male and female rappers have two different perspectives about what defines an “independent woman.” While male rappers see this type of woman as one who can pay her own bills and is educated, female rappers see “her” as someone with sexual prowess.

Study Supports Theory That Violent Video Games Contribute To Desensitization and Increased Aggression

June 1, 2011 coms 0

Violent video games have long been believed to influence aggressive behavior and desensitize its users. A new study from the University of Missouri finds evidence which supports this theory.

New media needs to improve communication about weight and health

May 13, 2011 coms 0

There is a belief among people that weight and health is a matter of personal responsibility and therefore little can be done on a policy level to affect individual behavior. But, a panel moderated by editor of Health Affairs, Susan Dentzer, found that uninformed and unrealistic media who promote this view may not only be negatively effect individual behavior, but also how policy makers approach issues of weight and health.

Body Image and the Media [Videographic]

May 10, 2011 coms 2

The image of the female body presented by the media in most cases is one that is unattainable. In movies, magazines, music videos and advertisements women are shown ideal body weights that in most cases meet the physical criteria for anorexia or bulimia. By presenting these images, we tell women that they can only be sexy and acquire what they want if they meet these physical requirements.

Clothing manufacturers contribute to objectification of young girls, says study

May 9, 2011 coms 0

Are clothing manufacturers helping to turn young girls into sex objects? A study led by Professor of Psychology at Kenyon College, Dr. Sarah Murnen, found that 30 percent of young girls’ clothing available online in the United States is sexualized. The study was published in Springer’s journal, Sex Roles, and raises questions on the implications of how girls evaluate themselves if they are being identified as sex objects at an early age.

Gender Wage Gap [Infographic]

May 6, 2011 coms 0

The infographic below gives a historical perspective of the gender wage gap through some great statistics and visuals. It shows the median annual earnings since 1960, potential causes of this disparity, information on the Equal Pay Act of 1963, and more. Also, according a recent Wall Street Journal study shown on the infographic, the gap is beginning to favor women.

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