Feminism

Feminism is a representitive theory in which women believe that they should be treated equal to men. For example they believe they have the right to equal pay, equal rights etc. Feminists would see the media as disempowering women as they are hardly included as the lead protaginists in film and media productions, protagonist roles are usually assigned to men who carry the macho image that is required to fit into the mainstream.

The Theory
Academic feminist theory emerged as a response to the activism that became popular during the 1970's. Laura Mulvey's male gaze is often considered to be the most recognised and accurate theory that is put into practice. In film the male gaze consits of taking a viewpoint from a male's perspective in which a woman may be objectifed, for a example the camera may focus on the curves of a woman's body. Thus showing how women are often objectified and considered passive objects in both film and the broader media outputs.
 The media is considered by feminists as being constructed for men. It is sometimes viewed as a Patriarchal society in which men command the power and women are subordinate, this is often portrayed for example in a police drama where men are in a position of power over women, such as being higher rank.