Abstract This paper focuses on the representations of women's bodyimage in the media and asks how these representations affect women's self-image and behavior.
From the Paper "The images of the media surround us constantly. According to Peach (1998): "We are exposed to over 2,000 ads a day, constituting perhaps the most powerful educational force in society. The average adult will spend one and a half years of his/her life watching television commercials". (p. 128). Leafing through the morning paper we unconsciously take in adverts and photographs. Going to work we pass billboards, signs on bus stations and busses, company logo's on clothing and merchandise. At home relaxing in front of the television we are bombarded by images. What are the main messages that are conveyed by this unstoppable deluge of the media?"
Abstract This paper examines the issue of bodyimage as seen through the results of an Australian research study. The paper begins with a historical overview of standards for the ideal body. In particular, gender differences and bodyimage are discussed. Then, methods for data collection for the Australian study are presented. The author states that gender differences were in fact a focus of the study. The results are then analyzed, with the outcome showing that women are dissatisfied with their body size. The paper includes charts and graphs to illustrate research findings.
Outline:
Introductions
Methods
Results
Discussion
From the Paper "Results testing the second hypothesis revealed a significant difference between gender perceptions, these differences are displayed within the below table. Data shows that both men and women over estimate the level of their desired body types compared with attractiveness. The difference between the most attractive male body types to women compared to the average desired body size of men shows an overall difference of .53. While the most attractive body size to men and the average desired female body size has a difference of .26. The data seems to suggest that men have a greater over inflation of their body size perception than women by a significant figure."
Abstract The writer of this paper details the symptoms as well as the media's contribution to body dysmorphic disorder, also known as distorted bodyimage. Body dysmorphic disorder has become a tremendous problem in today's society due to the barrage of negative messages sent to women by the media. This paper discusses the effect of the media, in all its forms - television, radio, print advertising, internet, etc., which has an enormous influence on what people deem as attractive in today's society. The unnecessary emphasis the media places on appearance tends to adversely affect the mental and physical health of those it comes in contact with. Body dysmorphic disorder can lead to damaged self-esteem, depression, and eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. This paper details the manner in which advertisers place heavy emphasis on physical appearance as a means of selling products. Too often in doing so, unnecessary pressure is placed on women to conform to unrealistic and oftentimes, unhealthy standards of beauty.
From the Paper "Women want someone they can relate to. The Body Shop, a supplier of natural beauty products, offered a much-needed change from the typical message provided by advertisers; "There are three billion women who don't look like supermodels, and only eight who do. The Australian magazine New Woman included a picture of a heavy-set model on its cover recently. This action produced a lot of positive comments from the magazine's female readers. Despite this fact, advertisers threatened to pull their sponsorship. This shows that advertisers know what they are doing when they include a woman whose body is unattainable to society at large."
This paper is a complete research project including an extensive bibliography, studying the relationship of bodyimage and self-esteem of girls and boys, ages 9 and 10, from Glasgow, England.
Abstract This paper explains that the intention of this study was to determine how early in their lives children, especially girls, are influenced by the media concerning their bodyimage;and if that influence has any profound or pronounced effect, if the exposure begins during the pre-pubescent period. The author used (1) a self-assessment questionnaire of girls and boys, ages 9 and 10, from two different schools administered by the classroom teacher during regular class sections coupled with (2) the teacher's assessment of the child's self-esteem. This paper concludes that, more significantly with girls than with boys, weight and bodyimage are inextricably linked as early as age nine with children already incorporated concerns of attractiveness as powerful indicators of how these children evaluate their own self-esteem. Tables.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Media influence
Other Influences on BodyImage and Self-Esteem in Girls
Taking Objectification a Step Further
The Effect of BodyImage in Adolescence
Factors Suggesting the Need for Child-Centred Body-Image/Self-Esteem Studies
Rationale
Hypotheses
Methods
Social Comparisons to Models and Peers
BodyImage Satisfaction
Body Mass Index
Results
Relationships between Body Dissatisfaction and Reported Social Comparison
Correlations Between Body Dissatisfaction and Social Comparisons to Models and Peers by Gender
Multiple Regressions of Body Dissatisfaction on BMI, Grade, and
Attractiveness Attributes by Gender
Means and Standard Deviations for Social Comparison to Models and Same-Sex Peers by Gender
Teacher Assessments of Self-Esteem
Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper "Because of the ages of the children in the study, it was decided that the best way to assess self-esteem would be to interview the teachers of the children concerning which children suffered from low self-esteem, and then correlate their answers with those of the children. An almost 100 percent correlation was found among girls between higher weights and low self-esteem. For boys, the correlation between body shape was stronger than the correlation with weight per se. It is easy to conclude, therefore, that "Whether or not they are too heavy, females who see themselves as overweight show decreased satisfaction with their bodies, reduced levels of self-esteem, and lowered psychosocial well-being, as compared with males, in general, and with females who do not consider themselves overweight.""
Abstract This paper discusses how the media can have negative effects on the bodyimage of almost any individual, male or female. It further discusses how women are more prone to the effects of this kind of media image and reviews research that indicates, in its early stages, that these effects can be countered by intervention.
From the Paper "Every day the general public is subject to unrealistic body images portrayed by the media. On television, hypersexual teens worry more about losing their virginity than about a humongous pimple shining like a blinking beacon. In both print and electronic media, women with prominent collarbones and 15-inch waists advertise everything from fast food to pain- and weight loss medication, while men with "ripped" abs drink beer with their buddies in front of the television. In the movies, even the pets are beautiful and gaze at their perfect owners with love from the elegant couch in their perfectly maintained homes. How is the average individual supposed to compete with this flawless worldview? Does the average viewer compete with it at all or is it accepted as the depiction of the American dream?"
Abstract This paper discusses eating disorders, explaining that the concept of bodyimage is an integral part of such disorders. There cannot be an eating disorder without bodyimage disturbance. This paper begins by defining and making distinctions between anorexia nervosa, bulimia and binge eating. Even though these three eating disorders are different they are all based in anorexia. In other words they are all centered on the pursuit of thinness.
Abstract This study uses a social comparison theory as the primary basis for its exploration of body perception in advertising, affects of advertising on self-esteem, and purchase decisions. It explores the theoretical basis of the negative effect and how exposure to highly attractive models (HAMs) affects the intention to buy a beauty product in women with a low opinion of their own bodyimage.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Background of Study
Research Problem
Objectives Of The Study
Research Questions
Significance Of The Study
Theoretical Background
Hypotheses
Conceptual Framework for Methodology
Conclusion
From the Paper "It is important to note that social and clinical research studies over the years have given definite conclusions that show the relation to and affect of media exposure and its representation of the thin body-image as ideal in relation to a negative affect on the women's self-image and lead to body dissatisfaction (Groesz, Levine, & Murnen, 2002). The conclusions and results show that the most common effects of this "thin" ideal body-image is to do with self-image and body unhappiness (e.g., Harrison & Cantor, 1997; Heinberg, Thompson, & Stormer, 1995). Other research into the concept of thin as ideal has demonstrated inconsistent, minimal or no association whatsoever between the two phenomenon (e.g., Champion & Furnham, 1999; e.g., Cash, Cash, & Butters, 1983; Irving, 1990)!"
Abstract This paper examines advertising and how it impacts women in three ways: bodyimage; sexuality; and consumer spending habits. Specifically, the writer argues that advertising has been - and continues to be - shaped by stereotypical depictions of the two genders, and that women remain faced with a popular media that glorifies unhealthy bodyimages at the same time as it sexualizes women and impresses upon them the sense that they need to dress and act a certain way in order to be "true" women. Finally, the paper looks at how consumer advertising has placed women in a position where they are now expected to consume both like women - and like men.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Advertising and women: Bodyimage Advertising and Women: Sexuality
Advertising and women: Debt
Conclusion
From the Paper "Advertising in America and throughout the western world impacts women in many ways - most of them negative. In the pages that follow, the impact of advertising upon women in the realms of body image, sexuality, and consumer impulses will all be discussed, with the general argument being raised that advertisers seize upon female insecurities and self-perceived inadequacies in order to make money - even if the process ends up sparking eating disorders and psychological disorders among young and old females. In the end, women need to appreciate that advertisers are not interested in social welfare but in making money - often by appealing to shop-worn notions about gender roles."
Abstract The paper asserts that an ethical advertisement should never flex the facts in order to make the product more saleable. The paper discusses the ethics of weight loss advertisements targeting those who are vulnerable, such as teenagers or anorexics, and advertisements promoting fat-burning and muscle building that create issues of bodyimage and perception. The paper discusses how, while the weight-loss industry is huge, if companies do not advertise carefully, they would be open to criticism from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the public. The paper concludes that in general, the advertising of a product ethically towards the consumer also benefits the manufacturer.
From the Paper "Any advertisement which hoped to sell weight-loss, or fat-burning, products would therefore have to be extremely careful with the claims being made, without, however, resorting to the Suanabelt's use of trickery. Any advertiser would need to carefully examine the benefits of the herbal supplement, and then insure that the adverts conformed to the FTC guidelines. The Advertiser might consider following the guidelines as laid down by The Weight Management Code Administration Council of Australia in order to ensure that there is no obvious misleading of the customer."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that magazine advertisements employ a wide array of methods to catch the easily distracted eye and send, within the brief period in which the reader actually looks at the ad, sophisticated messages about bodyimages. The writer analyzes the implicit bodyimage messages present in two very different magazines--one for a male audience, the other for female readers. The writer points out that the central argument is that male ads usually focus on the man's functional worth, as a worker, driver, or the like, while ads for women normally emphasize the woman's beauty and aesthetic value. The writer concludes that the message portrayed in the ads is that the worth of a man's body is relative to its utility and functioning power while a woman's body is measured by the tyrannical criteria of beauty.
Outline:
Introduction
GQ Ads
Versace suit ad
The designer shirt ads
Women's ads in Vogue Paris
A. Dining woman ad
B. The "Mountain Woman"
Conclusion
From the Paper "The top half of this specific ad (GQ 219) advertises an expensive designer shirt and, at first glance, the dinner table scenario seems fairly ordinary. However, this seemingly inoffensive ad reveals the same characteristics as the ad mentioned above. In it, a chiseled-faced male is dexterously carving and arranging the meal's meat course. His skilful performance with the instruments sparks the admiration of his attractive companion, who sits close to him and stares at his working hands with unqualified admiration. In the bottom half of the ad, this same couple is seated in a car (this ad, too, advertises the same garment) and it is not surprising to see that the man is operating the steering wheel while his companion looks on. These are not, obviously, incidental poses, and the proclivity to focus on the body's functioning abilities: driving, working, cutting, rather than on its aesthetic characteristics is clearly discernable in a large number of GQ's advertisements."
Abstract The paper reveals that African-American adolescent girls have a more positive bodyimage than white adolescent girls. The paper attributes this to the media, including film and advertising, that portrays African-American women differently than white women. The paper also notes that African-American girls may have closer family structures and better relationships with their mothers that may positively affect a girl's view of her own body.
From the Paper "Previous studies examining the body image of adolescent girls have established a number of ideas about how perceived body image effects the actions and life choices of those girls. Some report body image as a factor in sexual activity (Rosenthal, Smith, & de Visser 319). Others see the media and advertising as playing a large role in the shaping how girls feel about their bodies (Hylmo; Baker). Finally, healthy attitudes from parents and other factors related to early home life also seem to play a part ("Girls' Body" 51)."
Abstract This paper discusses what bodyimage is, what exactly is being viewed by women in women's magazines and then why these images have the effect that they do. It then discusses women's reactions, how they make them feel and how viewing women's magazines can affect their self-image. It then goes into detail of what could be done to fix this.
From the Paper "Flip absent-mindedly through any young women's magazine and in between the titles and pages of ?4 Hot New Makeup Looks? and "Little Signs He's The One", you"ll see dozens and dozens of women who all look the same. Women advertising one thing or another, all with the exact same incredible makeup, all with skin highlighted with professional lighting and computer touch-ups, all pouting in that sexy manner and leaning in the same seductive poses" all perfectly sweet, sexy, and skinny. All with perfect bodies."
Abstract This paper takes a look at how the media influences the way adolescents view the ideal bodyimage. The author examines the type of stereotypes that the media encourages and the way that this effects society.
From the Paper "Adolescence is a time for learning and growth. This time can be easier to handle by some than others. For some it can be a revelation of new experiences and ideas, while adolescence can also be a difficult, stressful time for those trying to discover themselves. This can affect themselves as well as those around them. During this time, adolescents are likely to identify with those around them, their peers. Identifying with peers can help adolescents along by giving them the opportunity to see how others deal with problems similar to their own and by offering their own advice to those who need it. Along with this, adolescents are liable to worry about their body image, and may want to conform to those who have achieved the "desired" image. This image may be thin, muscular, or just average. Nevertheless, some adolescents will go too far to achieve this image, usually this is done by adolescent females who wish to become thin. This can be attributed to media's portrayal of women. The majority of women in ads, television and movies are thin and are seen as attractive because of this. Adolescent girls will see these women and may want their image as their own, and some will go to any lengths to acquire this. This in turn could lead to the idea that during this process of change and growing up, adolescents are often concerned about their physical image, which is influenced by the media."
Argues that the images of perfection that are disseminated by society are generally stereotypical images that reinforce gender roles of dominance and submission.
Abstract The way in which society defines the structures and strictures of gender has developed in the last century into a field in which there is an abundance of textual dissertation concerning gender, identity, bodyimage, and other issuances of definitional standards that often defy the status quo and change the way in which we think about what it is to be a man or woman. The paper shows that these essential qualities that define gender are harder to determine the more we explore the boundaries that have been set up, in many cases, as no more than cultural myths that represent the continuance of a socio-economic class system. One of these myths is the idea of the mythical bodyimage, or the ideal physiological representation of a society in which gender lines are clearly defined in terms of male and female. This paper explores the idea of this image in terms of its contrivance, ramifications, social constructionism, and its support of gender stereotypes to provide an understanding of how our culture defines male and female images of perfection.
From the Paper "Myths traditionally focus on the superhuman or divine while providing a model of behavior for their consumer, who is more often than not encouraged by them to accept a sort of socio-economic status quo, along with a sense of diversion and the illusion that in escaping reality, the person buying into the myth is escaping the status-quo of an
economically oriented social class system. This particular diversion is carried on through time and changed, if slightly, by successive generations as the gradations of society change with time (although the continuance of myth is often retrogressive concerning the continuance of the society). Although the theme may only change slightly, the
presentation of a new myth within this traditional trope suggests other changes that are more important."
