Sex in Advertising
A discussion of the use of sex in advertising and why it works.
Term Paper # 26869 |
1,924 words (
approx. 7.7 pages ) |
11 sources |
MLA | 2002
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$ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how sexuality in advertising serves several purposes. The prevalent view is that sex itself is appealing, so it gets people to pay attention to the advertising message surrounding it and there is also a shock value that has become more and more important to some advertisers for the same reason--to get the attention of the consumer. It looks at how American advertisers know that sex sells products and how they use sex in ways both overt and subtle, depending on the product and the campaign. It evaluates how much of our culture is based on physical attractiveness and its power to persuade, to attract, to influence and succeed and how sex is used in advertising as an expression of physical attractiveness. It analyzes how the advertising media clearly believe in the power of physical attractiveness to persuade and how spokespersons for products and other people used in television commercials and print ads tend to be physically attractive far beyond the norm in society.
From the Paper
"Cialdini (1985) discusses the reasons why people are persuaded to take action, and while physical attractiveness is included as one of the reasons for a person's being persuasive, the author notes that recent findings indicate that this is an even greater advantage than it was once believed to be. Attractive people seem to elicit an immediate response from others predisposing these others to accept their message. The research indicates that we automatically assign to attractive individuals certain favorable traits, such as talent, kindness, honesty, and intelligence, and we make these judgments without being aware that we are being influenced by physical attractiveness. Cialdini finds much of this research unsettling for its implications as to how we make decisions, including evidence showing that our judicial system is also influenced by this same factor: "It now appears that unless they have used their attractiveness to commit a crime. . . good-looking people are likely to receive highly favorable treatment in the legal system" (Cialdini, 1985, 167)."
Tags:physical, attractiveness, consumer, campaign, product
Sex in Advertising
This paper looks at the reason advertisers use sex to sell their products.
Persuasive Essay # 7626 |
1,165 words (
approx. 4.7 pages ) |
5 sources |
MLA | 2002
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$ 29.95
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Abstract
The writer looks at overt and covert advertising in order to give the reader a solid understanding of the basic theories that are used to sell products. The writer talks about the different places that new forms of advertising have been tested and show how these are used successfully to entice people to buy a specific product. According to this paper, sex is used in almost every type of advertising and its effect on today's youth is immense. The use of sex in advertising is not new, but the overt nature of it is, something, that this writer feels has now take on a life of its own and is having a negative affect on many people's self-image. The role of sex in today's society and as a result its influence on today's younger generation, is the message that this writer is trying to communicate.
From the Paper
"Advertisers will embed the word, "sex," in a magazine picture that is not perceived by the human eye or will superimpose pictures of sexual objects on objects like ice cubes and it is not noticed until this is pointed out to people, they will not perceive this either. (Key 9 - 12)
Whether or not subliminal advertising works is still a matter of debate.
Should sex be used in advertising? No! CNBC had run an ad that showed scantily dressed women, an ad for a topless club."
Tags:ads, overt, covert, theatres, magazines, objects, television, radio, women, males, objects, attractive, self, esteem, low, love, product, subliminal, sell, vehicles
Advertising Strategies: Comedy vs. Sexuality
Comparison of two different marketing strategies; one based on humor and one on sex.
Comparison Essay # 3749 |
1,320 words (
approx. 5.3 pages ) |
6 sources |
2001
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$ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper compares two different marketing strategies: humor and sex. The author discusses how comedy prevails over sexuality in advertisements because comedy is more memorable and generally more easily applies to the product. The paper is based on six advertisements, half comedy and half sexuality and spends a section discussing each and its pros and cons.
From the Paper
"Both humorous and sexual themes are used in advertisements because marketing executives believe these to be the most direct way to sell a product. Marketing executives rely on comedy and sex to sell their products, but while interest may be generated for the ad itself using these methods, interest in the actual product can only be obtained if the comedy or sex is realistically applicable to the product itself. When comparing the two kinds of ads, comedy ads are generally much better at showing applicability than are sexual ads
Tags:ad, advertisement, bolle, civilization, comidic, curve, funny, ghandi, humor, magazine, marketing, radeon, sex
Media and Eating Disorders
Shows how ideals of body shape and size portrayed in the media contribute to excessive concern with slimness and eating disorders among young women.
Cause and Effect Essay # 29942 |
1,789 words (
approx. 7.2 pages ) |
10 sources |
APA | 2001
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$ 39.95
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Abstract
The media has a large effect on society as a whole and there has been an increase in media exposure over the years. The thin, waif-like look is seen as the ideal, a standard for women to be measured against. The paper shows that women are under lots of pressure to conform to the ideals of society and the majority of women are on diets or have dieted at some point in their life. This leads to low self esteem and poor body image, which is a precipitating factor in eating disorders. This essay discusses whether the media is the catalyst for preoccupation with slimness and a major contributor to eating disorders in young women.
From the Paper
"The media is often quoted as a scapegoat for the increase in eating disorders. Linda Grant's opinion is that: "Women don't set out to become anorexic, they begin by thinking they're too fat because everywhere they go the media is telling them that they are right" (Barrett, 1997). This assumes that the causes of eating disorders are simply triggered by an individual feeling overweight, which is not the case. Eating disorders have many causes, some evidence suggests that an eating disorder can exist without this pathological fear of being overweight (Lai, 2000). If these effects of the media are obvious then why is it that only 1-3% of women suffer from an eating disorder? "
Tags:anorexia, bulimia
The Representation of Women in the Media
This paper discusses the way women are viewed in the media and the effect the media has on women's mentality both in current and past periods.
Research Paper # 3038 |
3,791 words (
approx. 15.2 pages ) |
6 sources |
2001
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$ 69.95
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Abstract
This paper is about representations of women and celebrities in the media and their effects on average American women. Some of the topics discussed in this paper are the media's portrayal of actresses and celebrities and their affects on teenagers and women, the differences and changes in images of celebrities through the past few decades, the "Culture of slimming," the objectification and subjectification of women, the psychological, social, physical, and mental effects on the average women, and the power of the entertainment industry.
From the Paper
"Over the past few decades, the so-called "norm" for a female figure has drastically changed from voluptuous and curvy to waif-like thin. Many female celebrities have been known for their figures. Historically, Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield were two women who each wore a size 12 and were glorified by men all around the world. Today, celebrities from the likes of Jennifer Aniston and Calista Flockhart are admired for their abilities to become and stay so thin, almost appearing sick. As celebrities come and go, women compare themselves to whoever is "popular" at the time."
Tags:actress, actresses, anorexia, body, bulimia, celebrities, celebrity, confidence, depression, entertainment, esteem, fat, hollywood, images, media, modeling, psychology, self, slim, society, sociology, television, thin, women
Victoria's Secret
A study behind the successful marketing campaigns of the lingerie company, Victoria's Secret.
Analytical Essay # 6435 |
1,300 words (
approx. 5.2 pages ) |
5 sources |
MLA | 2002
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$ 29.95
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Abstract
The secret behind the success of Victoria's Secret seems to be its brand recognition, its excellent quality and its ability to identify a correct market. This paper studies the company's past and future promotion campaigns and illustrates its target markets and budgets.
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
Target Market
Product
Price
Place
Promotion
Budget
Summary
Works Cited
From the Paper
"The key strength of Victoria's Secret is brand recognition and brand loyalty. It's massive advertising campaigns have been largely successful due to the brand equity of the product. Victoria's Secret products make their customers feel sexy and good about themselves.
The upcoming launch of the new swimsuit line will mark the entrance of Victoria's Secret into a new area. It has had great success with the launch of its bra lines and was a leader in the introduction of thong underwear. Thong underwear was a risky product line, especially considering more conservative customers. However, sales have increased every year since its introduction. The key to this success was due to the already established customer loyalty. "
Tags:swimwear, advertising, women, bra, Dream, Angel
Studies the differences of men and women in the attributes they seek in a date by using a content analysis of personal advertisements.
Research Paper # 108331 |
2,805 words (
approx. 11.2 pages ) |
4 sources |
APA | 2007
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$ 59.95
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Abstract
This research paper replicates a content analysis of personal advertisements by homosexual and heterosexual men and women that was done by M.H. Gonzales and S.A. Meyers (1993). The paper compares and contrasts the characteristics offered and requested by homosexual and heterosexual men and women in ads in 2007. Although the specific advertisements are not listed, the author includes the data coding sheets for characteristics offered and sought as written in the the "Vancouver Province" and the "Georgia Straight" newspapers. The paper reports that, overall, women are portrayed as beautiful. When people are looking for a date, they want one that is fun, easy to talk to, humorous and attractive.
Table of Contents:
Data Coding Sheet: Characteristics Offered
Data Coding Sheet: Characteristics Sought
Other Studies
From the Paper
"I have created two tables (adding a few categories: race, age, marital status, price and hair color) and will compare and contrast the characteristics offered and requested by homosexual and heterosexual men and women in ads in 2007 (14 years later!). I confess that this is not my idea of a great way to spend a day. Most happily married mothers read other things! My husband maintains that men don't place ads because women don't look in the paper for guys (I never did!). He says that women on the other hand do because men look at newspaper ads.'
Tags:orientation transgender attractiveness expressiveness, chat lines
This paper discusses how Gillette's slogan helped to define male masculinity.
Analytical Essay # 147659 |
5,781 words (
approx. 23.1 pages ) |
14 sources |
MLA | 2011
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$ 79.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer defines how campaign slogans and the use of advertisements help shape the male image. The writer points out that the use of tag words, color design and male gender items have all contributed to the new 'masculinity' we see in today's society. The writer examines the issues around defining "masculinity" and the role that company slogans play on the male gender role. The writer presents an examination of Proctor and Gamble's "the best a man can get" campaign and the effects it has had on the male image in the United Kingdom.
Outline:
Introduction
Literary Review
Societal Shift
Media Influence
From the Paper
"It is difficult to measure and identify masculinity. Over the centuries sociologists and psychologists have tried to depict what defines a male. There are many factors to take into consideration when compiling a theory on the attributes and characteristics on masculinity. Some theorists argue that it is the common view of society that plays a key role in the ideal and self-identity of the man. While others stipulate that it is the familial structure that is the direct affect to creating masculinity. In either case, most theories are based on the idea that external situations and experiences are the immediate relationship to defining masculinity and our view of what is considered to be male or female. The gender roles have been particularly defined in the consumer market. Product innovation and advertising campaigns have played a strong role in dividing the sexual characteristics. Companies are quick to leverage products that are geared at either men or women in their announcements, design and packaging. Tactics used by corporations to ensure stable yearly profits, have contributed in the characterization of the masculine image. The globalization of organizations as well as advancements in communication technology have allowed companies to reach a larger scale of consumers, which has also created a more diversified vision of what is meant in terms of masculinity."
Tags:masculinity, Gillette, male, slogans, advertizing
Looks at how the way in which pharmaceutical companies in their advertisements portray female sexuality and femininity defines the concept of what is feminine for American and Canadian society.
Argumentative Essay # 149341 |
4,135 words (
approx. 16.5 pages ) |
10 sources |
MLA | 2008
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$ 69.95
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Abstract
This paper argues that the advertisements by the pharmaceutical companies structure gender roles or appropriate ways of being a woman and imply inappropriate gender behavior through a highly selective and limited portrayal of the ways in which female sexuality can be expressed. Next, the author relates the conflicts and contradictions that arise between what is considered appropriate female sexuality in birth control advertisements and what is considered appropriate by other areas of American society, such as religious institutions and the institution of family. The paper explains that the intersections of gender with ethnicity, class and ability may influence how different women perceive these advertisements and thus perform their gender roles. Based on these insights, the paper includes a suggested policy brief by the author regarding oral contraceptive advertisements.
From the Paper
"Second, and specific to the context of an oral contraceptive advertisement, not only are the lacking types of women in the alesse advertisements made into others, but they are made into others who are less likely to be sexually active or sexually desired. Since only one type of female body is depicted in the ads, there is an implication that women who do not have this type of body are not in need of, or at least less likely to be in need of, a product that allows women to be sexually active while preventing pregnancy. The use of only women conventionally attractive women in the ads sends a message that those types of women are most likely to frequently engage in sex for non-reproductive purposes, and therefore, are the women most likely to be desired by men, able to express themselves sexually and experience sexual pleasure most frequently. Women who are not white, thin, under the age of 30, able-bodied are left out entirely, as if they are unlikely to have opportunities to engage in sex for pleasure because they do not meet superficial standards of femininity. Tied into the first implication that conventionally attractive women are more in need of oral contraceptives is a second implication that those women are more likely to have successful careers, high levels of education, or any position where preventing pregnancy is an asset."
Tags:sex, restrictive gender roles, physical appearance, spontaneous romance, de-privatized
This paper discusses how sex is used in advertising to aid in sales and distribution of products.
Essay # 25223 |
1,003 words (
approx. 4 pages ) |
2 sources |
MLA | 2001
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$ 29.95
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This paper examines the origin of the term "sex sells" and explores the ways in which it has been used. The various media types which utilize this strategy are presented and, with the use of examples, are discussed in further detail with their impacts on society as a whole.
From the Paper
"The culture we live in is carried on the back of advertising (Twitchell, 1996). In today's society the use of sexual behavior is a common means in which to aid in the selling of product. It can be seen in virtually every mass media, as well as in some other areas which can only be viewed by older individuals' everyday. Millions of viewers' tune into their television sets to shows that are based around human sexuality. Television shows such as the Jerry Springer Show and the Jenny Jones Show, all contain episodes which include strippers, lesbians, transsexuals, and countless other sexual topics. Human sexuality is a topic which appeals to the masses and thus is why it is so widely used in advertising and mass media. In many cases it is the exploitation of others which intrigues many viewers to tune in and pay large amounts of money and/or buy large amounts of products. The term "sex sells" is often a common reference which is used to describe the use of human sexuality and its ability to sell products. This essay will focus on many of these areas in depth and help reveal the hidden, but more often than not, noticeable use of sexuality in advertising."
Tags:advertising, products, exploitation, society