How are social norms perpetuated according to the dominant groups?

The correct choice highlights the role of media and cultural representations in perpetuating social norms, particularly by dominant groups. Dominant groups often have significant control over media outlets and cultural narratives, which gives them the ability to shape societal perceptions and reinforce existing norms.

Through representations in film, television, literature, and other forms of media, these groups can propagate values and behaviors that align with their interests and maintain their status. This can be seen in the portrayal of certain social roles, such as gender or race, which can influence public opinion and expectations regarding how individuals should behave.

By emphasizing certain lifestyles and ideologies while marginalizing others, media helps to create a sense of normalcy around the values of dominant groups. This ongoing exposure to specific cultural representations leads individuals to internalize these norms, thereby sustaining them across generations.

The other options present important methods of influence, such as economic incentives and penalties or limiting access to education; however, they do not capture the broader cultural and ideological mechanisms through which dominant groups maintain social norms as effectively as the role of media and cultural representations.