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Analysis of the Representation of Women in Magazines Essay

Decent Essays

Analysis of the Representation of Women in Magazines

In this essay, I am going to analyse how girls and women are represented in a range of magazines. Depending on the target audience, the contents of the magazine differs. This essay will look and describe the differences between the magazines and why they are there. The age groups and magazines I will be examining are; teenage with the magazine ‘Sneak,’ twenty something's with the magazine ‘Glamour,’ and middle aged with the magazine ‘Women’s Own.’ I will give a general overview of each target audience and what is represented.

I will begin with ‘Sneak’ and the target audience of teenagers. Although aimed at teenagers, many eight and …show more content…

‘Glamour’ is aimed mainly at late teens to late twenties. When flicking through the magazine, I noticed that there was more text and adverts. This reflects how the age-group has more time and disposable income. Also, ‘Glamour’ was the most expensive magazine, being £1.90 and included a website, (see figure 2,) which again indicates a higher disposable income and extra time. The front cover yet again includes an hourglass shaped celebrity, but she is older, although she still conforms to the dominant ideology for a young female. The magazine includes the latest fashion and make-up styles, but on a much larger scale when compared to ‘Sneak.’ “MASSIVE FASHION SPECIAL: 1322 HOT NEW LOOKS.” It again includes problem pages, but the problems are mainly on lifestyle or sex, instead of dating. ‘Glamour’ also advertises to the stereotypical women using its front page with the advert; “20% off SHOES At Faith for every reader.” Magazines can use this effectively, because it represents the expectations reflected by society and the media.

‘Women’s Own’ is mostly aimed at middle aged housewives, although older people do read it, because it would give them a chance of extended youth. The front cover for the magazine, (see figure 3,) is dramatically different. It has older soap celebrities, who some women would be able to relate to. The people on the cover are less bothered about

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