Abstract:
This study sought to investigate how the Ghanaian print media frame or portrays female
football stories in Ghana. The study was based on the Agenda Setting, Framing and
Feminist theories. The study used qualitative method for the data collection and
analysis. Two sports newspapers, the Graphic Sports and the Finder Sports, were
selected and content analysed for the study. The study showed that the Ghanaian print
media often portrayed female footballers and coaches as mentally weak with no focus
and drive; female footballers were also mostly mentioned in reference to males mostly
when they were successful. These types of portrayals can perpetuate gender bias and
stereotypes, undermine the true agile ability of female footballers and coaches, and give
the audience the idea that male football is more important than female football. The
study also showed that female football stories were often ignored, sidelined and even
relegated to the background because they were seen as lesser in skills and knowledge.
The study concludes that in Ghana, there is gender bias in the media representations of
female football, regardless of their increased participation and string of successes. This
mode of reportage sets a particular agenda for female football stories to be relegated to
the background and sets back the opportunity to build an audience for female football.
This will go a long way to silence female footballers, female coaches and their
accomplishments altogether. The results from this study also provide a foundation for
those who wish to further explore and raise awareness on framing of female football.
Description:
A dissertation in the Department of Communication and Media Studies,
Faculty of Foreign Languages Education and Communication,
submitted to the School of Graduate Studies, in partial fulfilment
of the requirements for the awards of the degree of
Master of Philosophy
(Media Studies).
in the University of Education, Winneba
SEPTEMBER, 2019