The realization of sexed bodies: Stable and fragile gender dichotomies in Swedish media representations of biomedical alcohol research

SynopsisDuring recent decades, biomedical research has increasingly entered the press scene, particularly in media stories of healthy bodies and lifestyles. One of the fields where this is visible is in the discussion of alcohol consumption and problems, a field where references to biological sex differences are common. This paper analyzes how facts about sexed bodily difference are made real in Swedish newspaper stories of biomedical alcohol research. Our findings indicate that newspapers represent the body at different levels of abstraction; from detailed descriptions at the molecular level (hormones and genes), through discussion at the molar level (body parts, organs and disease), to more general discussion at the social level (inner nature, sensitivity, and responsibility). We also find a double metaphorical meaning of the word alcohol: alcohol is a solution (a soluble liquid) that also dissolves the dimorphism of bodily sex difference.

► We analyze gendered media images of biomedical alcohol research ► The body is represented at the molecular, molar and social level of abstraction. ► The media ascribe a transformative effect to alcohol — it affects sex hormones. ► The dichotomy of gendered bodies is most fragile at the molecular level. ► Dichotomies at the social level appear more stable.