The Truth About Diversity in Magazines

Today, magazine industries have a major diversity issue, disregarding the fact that A-list celebrities and social media influencers are attempting to challenge the idea of the average size 6 model, as recent statistics expose that the change is not happening as fast as people would hope for.

For instance, all women presented in magazines such as Vogue, Seventeen and Cosmopolitan, are either extremely thin or have tremendously skilled plastic surgeons. Which twenty years ago, the trend resulted in the average weigh of less than 8% of the average women — but todays models weigh 23% less (Suggett, 2019). Additionally, Spedding (2016) stated that only 422 out of 460 of ‘plus-sized’ models made an appearance in Spring 2016 campaigns.

The less diverse media is in their marketing, the slighter chance the audience are able to relate with the images presented in front of their eyes. Research through Tiggemann and McGill (2004), found that women who engage in more social comparison, unfortunately experience a more negative mood and body dissatisfaction. Nevertheless, the use of stereotyping, reflects critically in people’s self-image; since it influences what consumers consider to be ‘beautiful’ or ‘perfect’. This relates back to how magazines commonly use ‘thin’ models. Furthermore, there are additional aspects of appearance, such as hair, skin and facial features which the media convey beauty ideals.

But what is ‘Perfect’?

The ‘thin-ideal media’ highlights that being skinny is the only exception — even if the consequences to an individual’s health could be potentially damaging. Already, approximately 91% of women are unsatisfied and insecure with their bodies and decide to diet in order to achieve their ‘ideal’ body shape, according to research stated by organisation DoSomething.org.

Change is needed.

Modifying the way magazines portray individuals is a long term goal. However, the media is slowly starting to move forward — and this is evident through recent campaigns such as Real Beauty by Dove. The campaign’s aim was to “reflect the diversity of a woman’s body shape” (Craik, 2017). Nevertheless, in 2016 the global audience were introduced to Ashley Graham.

The global icon, is now known to be the first plus size model to feature in Vogue, Sports Illustrated and Glamour. The model herself has influenced many fashion brands with her attitude for change in the body types presented in magazines even as she stated that she doesn’t enjoy the term ‘plus-size’.

“I’m really trying to make a change in the industry. I’m trying to have more quality clothing for curvy women. A lot of it [isn’t available] in my size.” (Tinubu, 2018).

The cure to break down the stereotype and bring diversity in these industries, is to continually discuss; as demonstrated through Grahams work. The world is only made up of many women in all shapes and sizes — which is why what we read should be a real representation of our world today. All in all, magazines are the business of influence, resulting in consumers choosing what to do, believe and be within the media images they consume. The response on wanting realistic diversity has been recognised. If the world will begin to relate more with the images produced, the media would influence individuals in a more positive light.

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Laura, C (2017). The Guardian. How beauty giant Dove went from empowering to patronising. [Online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2017/may/15/beauty-giant-dove-body-shaped-bottles-repair-damage [Accessed: 21/11/2019].

Paul, S (2019). The Balance Careers. The Impact of Body Image Advertising. [Online] Available at: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/the-impact-of-advertising-on-body-image-4151839 [Accessed: 21/11/2019].

Spedding, E (2016). The Telegraph. Only 1.4% of models over a size 12: The truth about diversity in fashion now. [Online] Available at:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/people/14-of-models-over-a-size-12-the-stats-are-in-on-diversity-in-the/ [Accessed: 12/12/2019].

Tiggemann, Marika & McGill, Belinda. (2004). The Role of Social Comparison in the Effect of Magazine Advertisements on Women’s Mood and Body Dissatisfaction. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology — J SOC CLIN PSYCHOL. 23. 23–44. [Accessed: 21/11/2019].

Tinubu, A. (2018) CheatSheet. Ashley Graham Is the Body Positive Inspiration Women Need. [Online] Available at: https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/ashley-graham-is-the-body-positive-inspiration-women-need.html/ [Accessed: 12/12/2019].

“11 Facts About Body Image.” DoSomething.org, www.dosomething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-body-image. [Accessed: 21/11/2019].