Representation of Women - Cosmopolitan Magazine Cover, May 2011

 

 Women are judged by their looks and appearance. Stereotypical representation as they are defined by how men see them and how society expects to see them. 

Hayley Williams as cover girl - appeals to both men and women, as women aspire to be like her (unattainable aspirations) and men want to be with her (The male gaze).  However, airbrushing and other forms of editing have been used to construct this image of unattainable beauty.

The cover line by which Hayley Williams is represented by defines her in terms of relationships, 'Hayley Williams, Paramore's .. on Love'. However, it also says 'on success', showing her in a powerful, unpassive way, as she is not the typical woman.

Image constructed through visual codes, mode of address and clothing. 

 Posture and body language suggest self confidence and power, but she is also very sexualised, as she is wearing clothing that reveals a lot. 

The discourse of the magazine is very much based around sex. There are various stories such as 'This sex position increases female orgasm by 56%', and '75 sex moves men crave.'

As well as this, the magazine also seems based around beauty and looking good, 'Lean thighs.. without lunges'.

Representation concentrated on sexuality. 

Unrealistic representation of women. 

The sell line of the magazine, 'Call him or text?' draws in the female audience, as it gives them advice on relationships and love. 

The colour red used also symbolizes passion and love, again relating to the discourse of the magazine. 

Direct mode of address.