Sexualization Of Women Today: A Content Analysis

According to the ABS (2011), 55.1% of people aged 15-29, read magazines at least once a week. The mass media is an influential force in manipulating the way women are presented and as a result, these depictions of women can have a negative affect on an individuals self image and in turn, their emotional and physical health. Depicting women in sexualised manners through body language and in wearing particular clothing may lead to feelings of shame and appearance anxiety in oneself. The ability to develop a healthy sexual self-image is an important factor to consider in reference to the negative impact that the sexualisation of women in the media can have.

2. Content Analysis: Evidence of Sexualisation of Women Today

A content analysis was

This form of depicting women is very narrow, only exploiting the bodies of women rather than showcasing their intelligence, creativity and accomplishments. More often than not, the woman featured on the front of these magazine covers is a celebrity. On the cover of this months ‘Elle’ magazine (as shown) is Reece Witherspoon who is presented in provocative black lace lingerie and is demonstrating sexualised body language through biting her thumb seductively. Additionally, she is surrounded by an article relating to sex and other phrases revolving around physical appearance such as “Styling tricks to know” and “Beauty upgrade”. She is an example of a celebrity boasting a plethora of accomplishments including motherhood, success as an actress and in claiming multiple industry awards. This is a repeated theme in all 6 covers. The portrayal of women in this way can lead to slow self esteem, eating disorders, depression and unhealthy sexual development. Not only that, but an individual may believe that they must conform to these particular appearances and

The article discusses how girls as young as 8 are developing chronic illnesses and disorders due to the sexualisation of women in magazines and what they suggest on the covers. Young girls, for example, look at these covers of women and see that being sexually attractive equates with being successful or ideal. These unrealistic ideals in turn have a negative impact on young women. ”In addition to leading to feelings of shame and anxiety, sexualising treatment and self-objectification can generate feelings of disgust toward one 's physical self. Girls may feel they are "ugly" and "gross" or untouchable. … strong empirical evidence indicates that exposure to ideals of sexual attractiveness in the media is associated with greater body dissatisfaction among girls and young women.” This links to my content analysis where by I found that the majority of the magazine covers or 100% of those examined, did display these factors surrounding the sexualisation of women, which are clearly affecting individuals and especially adolescents, evident through this article.

4. Conclusion

To conclude, from the content analysis, it was proved that the sexualization of women is a highly common trend in today’s magazine covers and although only 6 out of the myriad of magazine covers were chosen and examined, this