The importance of the Lifestyle section.
The Lifestyle section is described by the Oxford Research Encyclopaedia as “news you can use”. This has lead the public opinion to condsider it a ‘supliment’ or ‘fluff pieces’ to the breaking news.
But, is the Lifestyle section more powerful then we think ?
Newspapers started printing in the 17th Century with the rise of the printing press, however, the Lifestyle section didn’t come into circulation until much later. The first iteration of the Lifestyle section was found in the form of the ‘Women’s Pages’ in the New York World in the 1890s. After this, the women’s pages became a regular section many newspapers. Alongside the feminist movement; the women’s pages evolved into the style pages, first featured in the Washington Post, in 1969. The section started to determine fashion trends and social movements as well as setting a standard for women’s lives. Many found the pages to be a guide or an aspiration of what they could be.
Now in 2018, the named, ‘Lifestyle pages’ are inclusive to all genders, have a wider topic reach from interior design and gardening to dating and fashion. It continues to lead and report the trends, showing its readers the latest crazes and styles. Additionally, the Lifestyle section continues to move society forward by making the world more accepting and helping change it for the better. It does this by reflecting the current values of the general population; for example, opening men up to make-up, continuously promoting equality, creating an understanding of wellness and mental health — and that is just to name a few!
Features
Readers will also find that features are a main element of the Lifestyle section. This is a way to discuss a topic in depth with readers, opposed to a review or ‘how-to’. Dependent on which outlet you are engaging with, this can look different; for example in The Guardian, the featured pieces will take a more tasteful approach to stories: ‘I felt a moment of complete calm’: how Guardian readers unwind. Where as, you may find outlets such as the Daily Star taking a slightly more uncouth approach: ‘Woman sheds HALF her body weight in time for her dream wedding — look at her now’…
Which you choose is up to the consumer to purchase, however, both approaches appeal to the public in some way. This is because features within the Lifestyle section reflect trends and the current culture. Both weight-loss and calming/wellness have been huge trends of 2018, which is why they are being promoted and reflected in both of these Lifestyle sections. What differs in between the two is the delivery, which comes with the style of outlet wether it be broadsheet or tabloid etc.
Overall, the Lifestyle section has been guiding and emulating culture since its inception. The level of influence it has had on our purchasing and participation in fads and crazes as well as social movements such as women’s empowerment and equality is immeasurable. This section is not just the ‘fluff piece’ to fill space, it is the how-to guide on life and what life can be.
If you want to learn more about the history of the Lifestyle section, please make sure you check out Sarah Jaffe’s post on the history of women and equality within the women’s pages:
