David Katiambo

Depiction of Female Athletes in the Mass Media: the Case of Daily Newspapers in Kenya (1980-2001) David Katiambo

This book analyses the image of female athletes in Kenyan newspapers. The image of female athletes was analysed because it is one of the most influential in socialization of young children by mass media. The years between 1980-2001 were selected for analysis because this period was the peak of worldwide advocacy for gender equality. In the selected period coverage of female athletes increased steadily. But there was a higher increase in photographic coverage than textual coverage. These implies that increased coverage of women by newspapers does not necessarily mean gender equality. It can also mean women are continually viewed as sex objects, as baits for attracting readers. Increase in photographic coverage can also mean tablodization of newspaper market in Kenya. This book is important for students and gender researchers who want to know more about the image of women in the mass media.