Talk:Family in advertising/Archives/2015

Outline for Family in Advertising
I. Introduction In this section, I will provide a brief overview of the history of 'family in advertising' and also motivate why the issue is important for sociology, particularly sociology of the family or sociology of marriage. I will mention that advertising is not only sociologically important in its ability to capture the needs or wants of the American family, thus reflecting their values, but that advertising is also meant to create need and wants and change values; thus, it is not a mere passive reflection of family but an active force that, by originating images and urges, creates the family (i.e. how the family is perceived).
 * Overview (Nelson)

'''II. Historical Background'''
 * How has the depiction of family in advertising changed with the advent of new technology like the television and more recently the internet? (Ali)

Here I will describe how the different ways the family has been portrayed throughout history has been shaped by the development of new technology. I will begin with talking about the depiction of the family in early print media such as in newspaper and magazine ads. Next, I will discuss the ways in which the development of television and television ads influenced the image of family in marketing. Finally, the family and the internet (including possibly depiction in social media) will be elaborated on.

It is not without reason that advertisements of the 1940's and 1950's targeted the family. It is not a coincidence that they did this at that particular time period rather than today. It was successful then, but would likely have less success today. This section of the article will show the context for the success of family images in advertising, such as this 7up advertisement. It will also show how today advertising reaches its family audience without showing the family audience.
 * Discussion of how the image of the family has been used in marketing throughout history up to present day. (Nelson)

'''III. Imagery'''
 * What types of imagery of the family are used in advertising?

Americans are bombarded by advertisements everyday. One theory of advertising suggests that advertisements are merely a reflection of the society that one lives in (need citation). A second theory involving advertising is that it actually is a force that influences the way society functions. Some sociologists posit that advertisements are a form of instructions that direct people how to live day by day. I will make extensive use of the book Images of family life in magazine advertising. Additional research will be conducted in order to create a comprehensive review of all the imagery that should be included in this section.

Additionally, an image gallery will be included in this section. Providing visual evidence will not only be interesting for readers but will also be further evidence of the different depictions of the family in advertising.

'''IV. Criticism'''
 * How have scholars criticized the use of family imagery in advertising. Discussion of both negative and positive societal effects of advertising on the family. (Nelson)

In this section, I will present the argument that advertising has had negative societal affects, such as making people unsatisfied with what they have, materialistic and narcissistic. In order to argue negatively, I will draw on papers by University of Massachusetts Amherst Professor Sut Jhally, who boldly argues that advertising "is the most powerful and sustained system of propaganda in human history and ... [it] will be responsible for destroying the world as we know it." In particular, I will be referencing his paper titled "Advertising at the Edge of the Apocalypse" where he argues that advertising prevents true happiness.

In order to keep the criticism section neutral, I will also show the positive impacts of advertising: that it stimulates the economy and from wealthy economies comes better social conditions (e.g. people can be with their family more, forming closer bonds, and in less stressful environments). I will conduct more research on this topic to find resources

Alimosser61 (talk) 02:39, 26 September 2011 (UTC) Pittsoc25 (talk) 01:56, 26 September 2011 (UTC)


 * That seems like an excellent start, guys. You will likely need some more references, and if you want to discuss a specific image, you should upload it to Wikipedia (take a look at Non-free content and Images. --Piotr Konieczny aka Prokonsul Piotrus&#124; talk to me 18:03, 27 September 2011 (UTC)

Suggestions after reviewing Double Burden article

After reviewing our classmate's article on Double Burden, I had a possible idea for additional sub-sections and possible introduction of new information. The group exploring double burden has separate sections for the idea of double burden as it affects women and how it affects men. I think it might be advantageous for us to explore the possibility of how advertising portrays each member of the family. Perhaps a section on Men, Women, and children and how each individual is portrayed and consequently affected. This could be an interesting angle to take. In addition, we should begin to explore possible images to use. I'm excited to delve into the book I received from the library and to expand our page!

Ali Alimosser61 (talk) 18:44, 2 October 2011 (UTC)

Tfinnegan20 (talk) 03:00, 3 October 2011 (UTC)Suggestions after reviewing your article

I like where you are headed with the information regarding advertising to the family which will be covered by Nelson. I think you should look for information regarding the current advertising method of targeting individuals within the family unit as apposed to appealing to the family as a whole which was done during the '50s and '60s. With the change in purchasing power (i.e. women having jobs and no longer primarily house wives, and even young adults[16-18]) advertising has the task of taking on a new social attitude. Additionally, I think in the historical background section it would be a good idea to include information of the change in gender advertisment. For a good example look to Folgers ads circa 1950s which were very demeaning to women, and where as today's Folgers advertisements do not attempt to belittle women. I like where this article is headed and look forward to reading it!Tfinnegan20 (talk) 03:00, 3 October 2011 (UTC)