birgir sms reykjavik

Sex, lies and stereotypes: 

Sex, lies and stereotypes SMS - Conference at Hótel Loftleiðir, Reykjavík, 20th of January 2006

Research findings: 

Research findings Results show that sex matters Results show that reports do not give a proportionate reflection of what is happening – (a lie) Results show that traditional gender stereotyping is practiced in European sports reporting

Sex: 

Sex Biology of the sexes Women as sex objects Sexual undertones in sports reporting

Lies: 

Lies Disporportionate representation of the sexes Male sports somehow more important 'Objective' reporting is in fact loaded with value judgements and prejudice.

Stereotypes: 

Stereotypes Stereotypes are simplifications and abstractions of real phenomena, and hence a kind of a lie. A lie about the sexes where a certain world view is presented.

Slide6: 

Disseminating the information: 

Disseminating the information The aim and purpose of the SMS project was to examine gender bias and – hopefully - initiate change. Two main questions: Whom do we talk to, whom do we address? How do we present our message and information?

Whom to address?: 

Whom to address? Clearly we would not have the capacity to go directly to the public or to individual sports people. Two types of strategic gatekeepers: SPORTS REPORTERS SPORTS TRAINERS

How to present the message?: 

How to present the message? Various possibilites: A conference Press releases Television documentary A series of courses with strategic groups Advertising campaign A published report Website – multimedia disk (report/conference)

Why a multi-media disk?: 

Why a multi-media disk? It provides an opportunity for ongoing process of dissemination – lasts longer Provides opportunity for effective communication of information A flexible format that suits both our target groups and is beneficial to others too, e.g. young people

The philosophy of our apporach: 

The philosophy of our apporach To do good journalistic work Make a complex phenomenon understandable without losing oversight Provide only the necessary theoretical context Give examples No preaching – delivering information and the general ideology of gender equality as objectively as possible Give the user a lot of control and be interactive

Slide12: 

Slide13: 

Possibilities to initiate change: 

Possibilities to initiate change As information material for individuals – trainers and reporters (general public) As course material in organised continuing education for trainers and for journalists. As a course material in compulsary courses for sports trainers. As input into gender studies in the general school system (university, high schools)

Slide15: 

How will their achievements be reported?