Critical/Cultural Studies of Communication/Media

Critical and cultural studies offer invaluable insight as to how communication affects media and vice-versa. While there are currently hundreds of studies taking place that attempt to establish basic premises about new media, nationwide advertising campaigns and interpersonal communicative development, critical analysis is needed to develop raw data into usable information. In the blogs in this category, we will discuss new studies from leading media and communication experts and offer our own take on the latest research and critical theory. We will explore the findings of some of the top researchers in media/communication fields and try to develop a better understanding of the ways that we interact and how our Internet, television and print media can affect our interactions.

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Study: Facebook photo sharing reflects focus on female appearance

March 30, 2011 coms 0

In a new study published in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking, University at Buffalo researcher Michael A. Stefanone, PhD, and colleagues found that females who base their self worth on their appearance tend to share more photos online and maintain larger networks on online social networking sites.

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Gender stereotypes could push women away from entrepreneurship

March 23, 2011 coms 0

Vishal Gupta believes the way that entrepreneurship is presented, discussed and taught must change — especially for women. “Where are the role models for women?” asks Gupta, an assistant professor of strategy at Binghamton University. “Pick up any book on entrepreneurship: It’s all about men. Switch on the TV, and when it comes to entrepreneurs, it is Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. Where are the women entrepreneurs? They’re not being talked about.”

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Research uncovers what’s behind image in the modeling industry

January 17, 2011 coms 0

The casting sessions aren’t just for movie stars, but what is involved in casting decisions that can launch fashion models to fame – or at the very least – to land a job? Stephanie Sadre-Orafai, a University of Cincinnati assistant professor and socio-cultural anthropologist, spent 11 months of fieldwork at a premiere casting agency in New York to uncover the decisions that happen behind the scenes of the glossy photos and slick commercials.

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Are attractive people more employable? Study finds double standard

January 11, 2011 coms 0

“Good looks” are only sometimes a positive factor in consideration for a job, according to new research from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU). In the new working paper, “Are Good-Looking People More Employable?” two economics researchers from BGU prove that a double standard exists between good looks as a positive factor in men and women.

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Writing exercise helps women overcome sexist stereotypes

December 30, 2010 coms 0

According to a new study, a brief writing exercise can help women in college physics classes improve their academic performance and reduce some of the well-documented differences between male and female science students. The writing exercise seems particularly beneficial to female students who tend to subscribe to the negative stereotype that males perform better in physics, the researchers say.