This thesis examines self-presentation and the reproduction of gender norms amongst young women and men on the dating platform Tinder, using Butler's gender theory and Goffman's conceptual frameworks for gender representation in the media. Also, previous research on genders norms in the media plays a part. Dating has evolved rapidly over the last decade, moving from real life to smartphone in just ten years. The premises of dating have also changed from aiming towards long term relationships, to casual dating and sex. Even though dating has evolved throughout the years, previous research has shown a reproduction of stereotypical gender norms in mediated contexts along with the presence of gender power imbalance. The subject this of study has been the dating platform Tinder, where profile pictures and text presentations from thirty heterosexual men and thirty heterosexual women were analyzed. Through the usage of thematic text analysis and semiotic picture analysis, the result shows that men and women continue to perform and reproduce gender norms on Tinder. Women are pursuing to show stereotypical female traits by being passive, cute and friendly, while displaying intimate parts to attract men. Men are continuing to show stereotypical male traits by portraying themselves as serious, dominant and care-free, while displaying a muscular physique. The study also shows that women are resistant against these norms to a greater extent than men, challenging stereotypical gender norms through their portrayal of typical masculine traits and norm-breaking expressions.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:uu-447162 |
| Date | January 2021 |
| Creators | Litens, Vera, Somnäs, Fanny |
| Publisher | Uppsala universitet, Institutionen för informatik och media |
| Source Sets | DiVA Archive at Upsalla University |
| Language | Swedish |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Student thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess |
Page generated in 0.0018 seconds