Portrayal of women in Singapore English and Chinese newspaper photographs.

Abstract

This analysis of Singapore English and Chinese newspaper photographs shows that men far out numbered women except for lifestyle and entertainment sections. A comparison between the papers in the 80s and the 90s has not show any significant change in the portrayal of women; in fact, the results indicate that similarities prevail. Though women in Singapore have made advancements over the years, their portrayal in news photographs are still relegated to the traditional, stereotypical and subordinate roles of entertainer, socialite or celebrity, spouse, and fashion models. Where roles of politicians and professionals are concerned, women's representations have either decreased or remained largely the same. Through such images, the press is reinforcing the deep-rooted bias and discrimination against women and also preventing and obscuring them from seeing the need for advancing the cause of women.