How the Representations of Women Differ in Men's Magazines Compared to Women's Magazines

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How the Representations of Women Differ in Men's Magazines Compared

to Women's Magazines

Hypothesis;

Due to the changing roles of women, the media should reflect this in

their representations. My intention is to find if there is a

difference in the way women are portrayed in men’s magazines and

women’s magazines. I would expect that men’s magazines would be more

stereotypical of women (sex objects, domestic, vulnerable) whereas

woman’s magazines would be more feminist (women power, independence).

My first concept is Angela McRobbie’s pluralist idea of target

audience demands (advertisement attraction due to audience demands).

My second concept is Marjorie Ferguson’s cult of femininity

(instructing women in values and behaviour of being a woman).

Context and Concepts;

The first research study I will be looking at is Angela McRobbie

(1991). McRobbie notes how women’s magazines have to attract

advertising. The articles on make up are surrounded by advertisements

for eyeliner, hair mousse, and lipstick. Fashion and celebrity,

prominent in such magazines, are also tied into the system of

consumption. It is seen to be unusual to not be interested in

hairstyles, cleansing and all the other intimate rituals that are an

intrinsic part of being a woman in contemporary consumer culture.

The second study I will be looking at is Marjorie Ferguson (1983).

Ferguson conducted a detailed content analysis and interview study of

three of the largest selling women’s magazines. She found that women’s

magazines convey a ‘cult of femininity’. They instruct women in values

and attitudes about being a woman. They tell women what to do and how

...

... middle of paper ...

... not be useful to finding results of

how women are perceived. To get the correct generalisation, I would

have to look at many magazines aimed at both genders, and extensively

over many issues. As I would use qualitative methods of data

collection it could be difficult to repeat so is not very reliable.

Also positivists say that qualitative results lack credibility because

they’re subjective and open to interpretation.

I would consider my research proposal to be quite repeatable, as all

the resources I would be using are easily accessible and anybody could

carry out an analysis on them to verify my results.

(1213 words)

Bibliography

[1] 2004, AQA AS level sociology revision guide, Coodination Group

Publications LTD

[2] Haralambos

[3] Moore. S 1994 / 1997, A level sociology, Letts Educational LTD.

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