Second Post

Our group has found quite a few relevant sources to our research topic.

The first, “Man to Man: A Content Analysis of Sole-Male Images in Male-Audience Magazines” (Albanese & Kolbe, 1996) had a lot of significant information for our topic. 

• This study focused on the physical construction of the male models in advertising.
• The study found a pattern in the characteristics of each model—overall models seemed to be very similar
• “The majority of men have the physique of the traditional male icon—strong and muscular” à Cowboy image favored
• “Generally conservative or conventional appearance”

The study “Exposure to Male Models in Advertisements Leads to a Decrease in Men’s Body Satisfaction” (Baird, Grieve, 2006) looked at college-aged males and the effect of advertisements on their body satisfaction.

• Compared participants who saw advertisements that viewed just products and participants who saw products with the presence of male models.
• Those who saw just products did not report any change in their feelings towards their bodies 
• Those who saw products with the presence of male models reported increased body dissatisfaction. 

Here is a link to a video blatantly trying to advertise specifically to men, using many male stereotypes.

First Post

Our group is investigating the topic of socially accepted male image as portrayed in all media outlets.  We were going to research the topic of the All-American Male image and how it has progressed in print media over time, but that topic proved to be too narrow.  In our research, we hope to find out what kind of men are stereotypically portrayed in media and what kinds of effects these images have on ideals men think they should portray, and the effect that the images have on the expectations that women have of men, as well as the expectations that men have of each other.