Gender and Journalism takes an integrative approach to gender and journalism studies, interweaving these areas to present journalism history and theory through a gendered, specifically women’s studies, lens. It provides general overviews of topics at the intersection of journalism and gender studies and introduces basic vocabulary from both fields. Each chapter ends with reflexive questions designed to encourage and foster media literacy and critical thinking about journalistic practices. The text also supplements the content with images, biographies, and excerpts from primary sources. Bock makes a good effort to take an intersectional approach to “women” by including information about women who are racially and sexually minoritized....The book will be useful as an introductory survey textbook for those studying journalism, culture, and society. Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates.

Choice Reviews

This straightforward, informative book offers an in-depth analysis of portrayals of gender, race, social class, and sexuality in news. Filled with up-to-date popular culture references, the material is relevant and compelling. The text uses current and historical instances to illustrate how these depictions are socially constructed by journalism and mass media. Covering vital topics such as sports, rape culture, white beauty standards, LGBTQ+ communities, and harassment of journalists, this book should be required reading for all journalism students. It also is recommended for working journalists. While addressing problems in journalism and mass media, the book offers solutions, which elevates its purpose.

Tracy Everbach, professor, Mayborn School of Journalism, University of North Texas

A fascinating, accessible survey of the complex intersection of mass media and gender justice. This book should be standard fare in journalism schools and communication studies programs.

Meg Heckman, associate professor of journalism and media innvovation, Northeastern University

Those looking to better understand the culture war discourses that dominate 21st century media and politics can look to Mary Angela Bock’s work to explore one of its lightning-rod topics— gender. Historical, theoretical, and empirical breadcrumbs enlighten and inform readers’ paths. Gender and Journalism: An Intersectional Approach addresses terms such as framing, stereotypes, and hegemony, and it foregrounds for readers Black and Chicana feminism; hypermasculinity; and queer and trans representation. Bock’s work serves as a resource for journalism students, educators, professionals, and scholars looking to expand their knowledge in these critical times.

Lisa D. Lenoir, assistant professor of journalism, The Media School, Indiana University Bloomington

Mary Angela Bock has a lively, engaging and thoroughly intersectional approach to help students understand women and journalism. Stories of individual media workers humanize accounts of sexism from Colonial days to the present. Bock fearlessly confronts controversies and stereotypes in coverage of sex and sexuality, women athletes, gaming, and Mommy Wars. I can’t wait to assign this book.

Linda Steiner, professor, Philip Merrill College of Journalism, University of Maryland