WOMEN AND ADVERTISING

Despite these disturbing statistics, business frequently produces and promotes products with images that objectify women, or portray their domination or violence against them. Media can influence consumer behavior and have the power to shape people’s perception toward gender. One major ethical concern is that advertisements and products depict and encourage, directly or indirectly, violence against women. A sample of recent ads from major companies illustrates this point. The question, then, is whether, and to what extent, media influence violence against women, and to provide an analysis from an international human rights legal perspective.