A look inside the female gender/role stereotype

Claudia Stoller

Cover

Kelly Ripa “Fab at 40”

Copy:

Three kids, a still-sizzling marriage, and a new show: How the spunky star makes it all work. (most of the time)

Cleaning, Age Restoration, Anti-Depressents, Oh My!

Most ads in this magazine are for laundry detergent, anti-wrinkle face lotion, grey hiding hair dye, fast recipes, and antidepressants (mood enhancers)Analysis: All the ads are specifically designed for aging women/housewives who seem to only have time for cleaning and remaining youthful through the male gaze.

Diamond Dazzle Stik

This ad is for a pen sized diamond ring cleaner.Let’s be honest, why would you be reading this magazine if you weren’t married or had an expensive diamond on your wedding band?Answer: You wouldn’t be! Oh society, you’re great.

LOREAL Photo Aging Repair

“Every time light touches your skin it causes more wrinkles. It’s called photo-aging.”

Andie MacDowell for Loreal skin care.

Cymbalta/Abilify/Cimzia

Cymbalta: Depression

Abilify: Bi-Polar Disorder

Cimzia: Arthritis

The only medical related ads in the entire magazine deal with debilitating ailments.

The (not so hidden) Truth

Conclusion: If you’re reading Good Housekeeping, you’re totally depressed woman. You’re mentally and physically ill from all the cleaning, cooking, and getting old.

Conclusion con’t

In my paper I will discuss the overall theme the November 2010 Good Housekeeping depicts with its choice of advertisements and how that helps seal the mold of a women's “job” as a mother and wife.