Are all models created equal? A content analysis of women in advertisements of fitness versus fashion magazines

Body Image. 2009 Mar;6(2):137-40. doi: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2009.01.005. Epub 2009 Feb 23.

Abstract

The current study is a content analysis of women appearing in advertisements in two types of magazines: fitness/health versus fashion/beauty chosen because of their large and predominantly female readerships. Women appearing in advertisements of the June 2007 issue of five fitness/health magazines were compared to women appearing in advertisements of the June 2007 issue of five beauty/fashion magazines. Female models appearing in advertisements of both types of magazines were primarily young, thin Caucasians; however, images of models were more likely to emphasize appearance over performance when they appeared in fashion magazines. This difference in emphasis has implications for future research.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Advertising*
  • Age Factors
  • Beauty*
  • Body Image
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Periodicals as Topic / trends*
  • Physical Fitness*
  • Social Desirability*
  • White People
  • Young Adult