A content analysis of photographic images and gender in The source sports, Sports illustrated for women, Sports illustrated, and ESPN magazine

This study examined sports photographs in fifty-two issues (thirteen issues each) of The Source Sports, Sports Illustrated for Women. Sports Illustrated and ESPN Magazine for gender differences in the way athletes are visually portrayed. Duncan and Sayaovong's 1990 study was used as the foundation for this new study.The content analysis revealed quantitative differences in photographic depictions of female and male athletes. Like the previous study, gender differences were found in the overall number of photographs of female and male athletes. These photographs were then broken down into one-half page, full-page and pull-out photographs. Gender differences were also found in the number of male and female athletes on the cover of the magazines, and the level of activity or inactivity associated with athletes. Unlike the previous study, the researcher found no gender differences in prominent and supporting positions when both men and women were featured in a photograph and no difference in camera angles.Department of JournalismThesis (M.A.