POLITICS AND GENDER DYNAMICS IN MEDIA COVERAGE OF FOODRELATED NEWS: AN ANALYSIS OF NEW MEDIA REPORTING ON LPG PRICE HIKE PROTESTS

This paper examines how political parties utilize mass media to reinforce traditional patriarchal stereotypes of women. It explores the presence of outdated gender roles, particularly portrayal and acceptance of women in non-professional, caregiver roles, even in societies perceived as socially progressive and liberal. The study considers how different societies respond to challenges related to the lack of access to fundamental development necessities outlined by United Nations Development Plan (UNDP.) 'Aduppukootti Samaram' or hearth-lighting protest emerged in Kerala in response to rising prices of domestic LPG cylinders. Women take to the streets to cook simple dishes using traditional wood hearths, symbolizing a potential return to this method if LPG prices remain uncontrolled by the central government. The United Nations Development Programme's (UNDP) seventh Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) emphasizes universal access to affordable, clean, and modern energy as crucial for sustainable development. While India has extended LPG connections to remote rural areas, concerns persist over its affordability and accessibility. The qualitative study focuses on ten cases chosen based on defined criteria. Each case is analyzed for its tone, narrative structure, and the use of ethos, pathos, and logos. The theoretical frameworks of Feminist Media theory and Framing theory underpin this analysis. Mass media framing of protests related to food- related developments highlights traditional gender norms, portraying women as caregivers and protectors of household. This portrayal can perpetuate societal expectations limiting recognition of women's diverse roles and contributions beyond traditional domestic spheres. Keywords: LPG Price Hike, Women's protests, Gender Roles, UNDP, Political Parties, Food