Media Representation of Women in Science: A Storytelling Case Against Gender Stereotypes

Abstract

Gender stereotypes affect not only the way people perceive others but also their image of themselves. Those stereotypes’ effect, both external and internal, is often limiting. In today’s post-digital society, the media can play a key role in representing genders equitably, curbing the harmful inertia of stereotypes. This research focuses on gender stereotypes related to the representation of women in science disseminated by the media. In the 21st century, when significant social and media revolutions have already occurred, it seems more than desirable that the media exercise their responsibility by granting women the space for intellectual, professional, and public projection that should never have been denied to them. The research aims to study and interpret Women of Science, a documentary series co-produced by public broadcasters in Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, and the United Kingdom, which portrays several female STEM scientists’ daily, professional, and personal lives. The methodological approach is qualitative. After a literature review, a global discourse analysis is conducted. The results show that this documentary series portrays women scientists differently from traditional stereotypes in previous film productions. They are represented positively and diversely, not as an exception in the science community. The study confirms, among other conclusions, that Women of Science contributes to eliminating the stereotypical barriers that made women invisible in science, based on the didactic capacity of storytelling as a strategy for raising awareness and transforming beliefs shared by society. It can be considered a good practice that serves as an example for governments and organizations that seek to eliminate gender stereotypes and build a more equalitarian science in which all genders are represented. New lines of research will examine more cases of storytelling in the intricate post-digital media scenario and reflect on gender stereotypes in science from the perspective of non-binary gender representation.