Woman Magazine

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Woman Magazine (1964)

  • a women's lifestyle magazine
  • covers topics such as:
    • makeup
    • beauty
    • clothes/fashion
    • perfume
    • cooking
    • cleaning
    • gossip
  • our set edition is from August 1964


Who is the VERY SPECIFIC target audience for this magazine? How do you know?
The target audience would appeal to British middle aged housewives from the working class. The magazine may also target men to buy the magazine for female audiences as the magazine covers topics such as "how to make your man happy"

What stereotypical representations can you find?
Women are interested in topics such as beauty, fashion, makeup and cleaning.
Enforces male beauty standards of men and the idea of male gaze - suggests the magazine is produced to meet the needs of a patriarchal society and reinforces patriarchal hegemony. Lexis of 'these are things girls worry about': use of the word 'girl' reinforces an assumption that even adults are 'young', niave and irresponsible and implies women need an easy and simple instruction.

Who is not represented or is underrepresented in this magazine?
Powerful women/empowering women - this was post-suffragettes
NO people of colour whatsoever in the magazine
Very few men are represented

What genre is this magazine? Is it typical of this genre?
This is a beauty/fashion magazine and the magazine is typical of the genre.
Woman on the front cover, focus is mostly on women and features makeup

What examples of lexis in this magazine may strike you as interesting or strange?
"Are you an A-Level beauty?"
"A present for your kitchen" 

What message is the producer of this magazine presenting to its audience?
To construct a hegemonic representation of women to outline and reinforce the expectations that women face in society

Why might a woman in 1964 actually read this magazine?
Relatable content? The watercooler effect
Interview with Alfred Hitchcock emphasises his status as a British man, which is arguably racist and xenophobic

Front Cover Initial Analysis

  • the masthead being simply 'woman' infers that this magazine is what all women need. It's simplicity emphasises it's importance, and it further infers that it will contain information appropriate to you
  • the typeface is quirky and contemporary, in a serif font. The font is italicised and looks handwritten. It looks fun, informal and personal
  • the purple background has regal connotations and connotations of wealth and royalty. This therefore has aspirational symbolism and heavily implies the contents of the magazine are life changing
  • purple is also highly feminine and suggests a female target audience
  • the models makeup is glamorous and glamorises the role of the housewife
  • additionally makeup is subtle and natural, suggesting a natural beauty which the target audience should aspire to

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