Representations of Modren Emirati Women on Digital Platforms: A Critical Analysis of Instegram Profiles

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Master’s Researcher in communication – University of Sharjah

2 Associate Professor –College of Communication -University Of Sharjah

Abstract

This study investigates media stereotypes of contemporary Emirati women on digital media, with a focus on ladies’ Instagram accounts. The study, informed by studies in digital media, gender, and cultural representation,  explores how social media shapes and is shaped by the changing identity of Emirati women. By analyzing content from a set of Instagram accounts, the study uncovers dominant narrative themes which include the tension between old and new ways of doing things, cultural representation and performance, and presentation of personal and professional success. Results demonstrate how Instagram is a crucial platform in constructing public attitudes and in mediating the self-presentation strategies used by Emirati women to reify and, in some cases, challenge hegemonic social values. The study provides literature on digital identity and gender construction in the UAE and provides some implications for future research and policy.

Keywords

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics