Sex-in-advertising: A policy-setting taxonomy

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Discussion about the appropriateness or otherwise of sex in advertising is wide ranging and recurrent. Sex in advertising has been the subject of extensive research and debate which has often been conducted on flawed conceptual foundations. We argue that this is due to a lack of shared understanding of sex as it relates to advertising. By examining the various ways in which sex and related terms have been used in the past, and grounded in accepted cultural usage, this research develops a taxonomy of sex within the advertising domain. This taxonomy clarifies meaning and provides a framework as a basis for future research. It also provides a decision making framework for debates about what is and is not an appropriate reference to sex in advertising.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)78 - 93
Number of pages16
JournalCommunication, Politics & Culture
Volume47
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - 2014

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