Media representation of members of parliament in Egypt

A reality of gender imbalance

Bibliographic Data

ID3894720
AuthorsBosmat Yefet (0000-0001-7390-8333, Department of Middle Eastern Studies Ariel University Ariel Israel, corresponding author), C Friedberg (0000-0001-9552-1084, Department of Middle Eastern Studies Ariel University Ariel Israel)
Year2024
Volume33
Issue4
Pages361-384
Publication date2024-10-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueDigest of Middle East Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1060-4367 • E-ISSN: 1949-3606
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/dome.12336
OpenAlexW4402845373
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited49

This study joins recent studies that explore the meanings of the political representation of women resulting from a gender quota, through examination of their media representation. Drawing on studies on gendered mediation and women's political representation and using a content analysis method, we examine the quantity and the quality of gender media representation of Egyptian members of parliament. The findings show a nuanced picture in which the media simultaneously propagates a conservative perspective alongside progressive and egalitarian ones. Female representatives receive less media coverage and are associated with feminine topics in a way that reproduces the gender hierarchical masculine/feminine and private/public distinction within the political sphere. Nevertheless, this biased coverage coexists with an empowering representation whereby women are more heard than seen and associated with core parliamentary activities. We conclude by addressing the potential and limits of this representation, which may alter perceptions regarding women's political participation under authoritarianism

Parliament · Political science · Politics · Gender Diversity and Inequality · Gender Politics and Representation · Historical Gender and Feminism Studies · Law

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