Men in menstrual product advertising--1920-1949

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Gender Studies
• Media Studies

Background:

• Menstruation and menstrual products are typically framed as exclusively female concerns.
• Societal attitudes and representations surrounding menstruation are demonstrably influenced by male perspectives.

Observation:

• Magazine advertisements for menstrual products over two decades were analyzed.
• Both overt and subtle examples of male influence were identified within these advertisements.

Findings:

• The presence of men in advertising, whether explicit or implicit, shapes how menstruation is represented.
• Advertisements reveal a male-centric lens in the portrayal of menstrual products and the period itself.

Implications:

• Understanding male influence is crucial for challenging period stigma and promoting accurate representations.
• This analysis provides insights into gender dynamics within media and consumer culture related to reproductive health.