 |
| This is not 'your' copy of Woman magazine, but I was getting a bit bored of the set copy. Anyway, this one is really, really similar. Which just goes to underlie exactly how straightforward, stereotypical and sexist this publication is! |
Underline key terms - underline as few terms as possible. You'll be using these terms a lot in your answer!
How does the producer of Woman magazine use ideology to represent women?
Knee jerk reaction - don't think: this is your completely honest, first reaction to the question!
The producer of woman magazine uses sexist ideologies to portray women
Plan - keep it simple, and whatever you do, make sure that your plan goes on the question paper, where the examiner can see it!
Introduction - use DAC for introductions. You can skip the introduction for shorter questions!
DAC, definition, argument, context
Definition - Representation refers to the way in which something is re-presented by the producer to maximise profit and to demonstrate their ideology. Ideology refers to the views and beliefs of the producer and society at large.
Argument - In this essay, I shall argue that the producer of Woman magazine uses sexist ideology to keep women in the hegemonic norms of the time
Context - The set edition of Woman magazine, a women's lifestyle magazine, published in 1964, and life for women was dictated by patriarchal standards. In this post-war Britain, however, second wave feminism saw the rights of women changing rapidly , though this is not acknowledged by Woman magazine, a magazine which sold in excess of three million copies a week.
Paragraphs - use PEE for paragraphs. The (p)oint relates to the question, the (e)xample comes from the media product, and the (e)xplanation usually rolls in to the (e)xample...
Point - One way Woman magazine portrays women in a sexist and straightforward way is through it's striking and straightforward front cover
Evidence - For example, the masthead on the front cover of the magazine is presented in a serif font which resembles feminine handwriting. This is further anchored through the lilac background of the front cover which functions as a symbolic code, suggesting femininity, softness and other stereotypical perspectives about women. Finally, the cover model is constructed through the MES of her hair and makeup, which are both very conservative and straightforward.
Explanation - These elements all combine to construct a stereotypical ideology of the producer related women. The assumption that women should be feminine is an example of a patriarchal hegemonic norms, and the producer is clearly using this ideological perspective to manipulate and to keep women in their place. Additionally, through constructing a stereotypical and straightforward audience, the producer ensures that this audience comes back week after week after week.