Advertising: The representations of women in advertising
Academic reading: A Critical Analysis of Progressive Depictions of Gender in Advertising Read these extracts from an academic essay on gender in advertising by Reena Mistry . This was originally published in full in David Gauntlett's book 'Media, Gender and Identity'. Then, answer the following questions: 1) How does Mistry suggest advertising has changed since the mid-1990s? Mistry points out that advertising has become much more aware of gender issues since the mid-1990s. Advertisers have started to reflect a broader range of female experiences, promoting female empowerment and depicting women as more active, independent, and assertive. The focus has shifted from just presenting idealized, stereotypical images to embracing diversity in body types, appearances, and lifestyles. 2) What kinds of female stereotypes were found in advertising in the 1940s and 1950s? In the 1940s and 1950s, advertising reinforced traditional ideas about women’s roles. Women were prima...