The portrayal of status differences in gender and etnicity in Dutch non-fiction television

This study explores how members of high and low status groups are portrayed on Dutch television. In a content analysis containing five weeks of Dutch non-fiction programs were studied. The results show that members of the low status groups women and ethnic minorities are underrepresented in comparison to their higher status counterpart, men and white people. In addition, member of these lower status group are more often portrayed in low status roles. They are less likely to be portrayed in expert roles, and less likely to be depicted as working. Furthermore, stereotypes are also confirmed in the topic of conversations. Men and people of the ethnic majority talk more about serious topics (e.g. economics, politics, and environment), whereas women and ethnic minorities more often talk about consumer affairs and interpersonal relations. Finally, the article discusses the role of the media in establishing and maintaining stereotypes and perceptions of group status.