Newswise — A recent study carried out by the University of Surrey reveals that UK media still imposes sexist and unattainable expectations on women in politics.
In May 2019, over 115 articles from mainstream tabloids and broadsheets in the UK were analyzed by the University of Surrey following the resignation of former Prime Minister Theresa May. The study identified a prevalent theme in which May was criticized for her perceived failure to "get Brexit done."
Despite having served in Parliament for 22 years, a significant portion of the media coverage portrayed May as politically and personally vulnerable. The University of Surrey study contends that this portrayal was based on gender stereotypes that link femininity in politics with feebleness.
Dr. Nathalie Weidhase, who is a Lecturer in Media Communication at the University of Surrey and the author of the study, stated:
"Our analysis revealed the use of language that strongly implies that 'feminine weakness' is the antithesis of the 'masculine strength' required to 'get Brexit done'. This has led to the portrayal of Brexit as inherently masculine, with women being viewed as a potential obstacle to its success. Our findings demonstrate that Brexit is a political process that has been gendered, emphasizing the role of gender in this complex issue." said Dr. Nathalie Weidhase.
Dr. Nathalie Weidhase further commented, "Regrettably, the media's portrayal suggests that feminine attributes and women themselves can only impede the triumph of Brexit as a male-driven political populist initiative."
The study provided an illustration of the sexism that female politicians endure by demonstrating how newspapers emphasized May's tears as a remarkable act for a politician, but also as evidence that she possessed feminine emotions. This unforeseen display of emotions elicited sympathy from across the political spectrum, while also exposing various political and gender-related tensions within the British media landscape.
Dr Weidhase commented further:
Dr. Nathalie Weidhase added, "For women, exhibiting emotions in public can be a double-edged sword. While it may make female political leaders more relatable, it also undermines their credibility and competence, leading to a no-win situation where the assertiveness required for leadership is seen as incompatible with traditionally feminine qualities such as empathy."
Dr. Nathalie Weidhase concluded, "Female politicians are often portrayed as women first, and politicians second, while also being expected to represent other women politically, adding an extra layer of pressure. In the realm of social media, this burden is exacerbated, resulting in female politicians frequently being subjected to vicious and sexist attacks."
Read the full study in Feminist Media Studies.
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