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8 Jan 2026
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A Level Media Studies: Tide 1950s Ad Analysis and Feminist Theories
Xenia Wickens
@xeniawickens
Page 2: Critical Analysis of the Tide Advertisement
The Tide 1950s advert analysis reveals both conformity to and challenges of traditional media representations of women. While it reinforces domestic roles, it also presents a non-sexualized image of women, which was uncommon for the time and challenges some aspects of Van Zoonen theory media.
Definition: Misrepresentation - The portrayal of women as universally loving housework, likely influenced by male-dominated media ownership.
The advertisement's illustrated style allows for a manipulated, idealized representation of women. The comic strip format adds an element of fun, distancing the image from the harsh realities of the era and creating a fantasy-like representation to make domestic roles more appealing.
Quote: "Comic strip- fun rather than the reality of the time-fantasy and unreal representations because they were trying to make women accept their domestic roles again."
This idealized portrayal reflects the desire for positivity after difficult decades, offering an escapist view of domestic life. However, it's important to note that some women may have perceived the advert as sexist, highlighting the complexity of audience reception.
The advertisement's representation is also notable for what it excludes. It fails to represent non-white women, aligning with Bell hooks' theory that white women are often idealized in media. This exclusion also reflects Gilroy's ideas about the representation of white people as powerful while marginalizing ethnic minorities.
Highlight: The women in the advert may have been seen as role models, influencing identity formation among the target audience.
In conclusion, the Tide advert a level media analysis provides rich material for examining representations of gender, race, and domestic life in 1950s advertising. It serves as an excellent case study for students exploring Feminist Perspectives on the media van Zoonen and other critical theories in media studies.
Page 1: Representation of Women in 1950s Tide Advertisement
The 1950s Tide advert representation of women is a prime example of how media portrayed feminine ideals during this era. The woman in the advertisement is meticulously styled, with a full face of makeup, coiffed hair, and a fashionable dress, signifying the importance placed on women's appearances. This idealized image serves as an aspirational model for the target audience, suggesting that using Tide will help them achieve this level of perfection.
Highlight: The woman's styled appearance and dress code reflect 1950s fashion trends, with her hairstyle reminiscent of popular celebrities of the time.
The practical aspect of femininity is also represented through the headscarf, which keeps her hair tidy while working. Her smiling expression and the symbolic hearts surrounding her convey a love for housework and cleaning, reinforcing the stereotype that women enjoyed domestic duties.
Example: The slogan "Tide's got what women want!" implies that women desire to be involved in housework and find joy in it.
The historical context of the advertisement is crucial to understanding its representation. In the 1950s, many women were expected to be full-time mothers and wives, staying at home to manage household chores rather than pursuing careers. This ad reflects the societal push to encourage women to return to domestic life after experiencing increased freedom during World War II when many had entered the workforce.
Vocabulary: Intertextual reference - The woman's headscarf and pose may allude to "Rosie the Riveter," a cultural icon representing women's strength and capability during wartime.
The advertisement's composition, with the woman as the large and dominant figure in the frame, presents her as powerful and appealing to post-war women who had experienced independence. This representation aligns with Van Zoonen feminist media studies, which often examine how media portray women in domestic roles due to traditional gender expectations.
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Paul T
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
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The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
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In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
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A Level Media Studies: Tide 1950s Ad Analysis and Feminist Theories
Xenia Wickens
@xeniawickens
The 1950s Tide advertisement provides a fascinating glimpse into the representation of women in mid-20th century media. It showcases the idealized domestic goddess image prevalent at the time, reflecting societal expectations and gender roles. The ad's visual and textual elements... Show more
Page 2: Critical Analysis of the Tide Advertisement
The Tide 1950s advert analysis reveals both conformity to and challenges of traditional media representations of women. While it reinforces domestic roles, it also presents a non-sexualized image of women, which was uncommon for the time and challenges some aspects of Van Zoonen theory media.
Definition: Misrepresentation - The portrayal of women as universally loving housework, likely influenced by male-dominated media ownership.
The advertisement's illustrated style allows for a manipulated, idealized representation of women. The comic strip format adds an element of fun, distancing the image from the harsh realities of the era and creating a fantasy-like representation to make domestic roles more appealing.
Quote: "Comic strip- fun rather than the reality of the time-fantasy and unreal representations because they were trying to make women accept their domestic roles again."
This idealized portrayal reflects the desire for positivity after difficult decades, offering an escapist view of domestic life. However, it's important to note that some women may have perceived the advert as sexist, highlighting the complexity of audience reception.
The advertisement's representation is also notable for what it excludes. It fails to represent non-white women, aligning with Bell hooks' theory that white women are often idealized in media. This exclusion also reflects Gilroy's ideas about the representation of white people as powerful while marginalizing ethnic minorities.
Highlight: The women in the advert may have been seen as role models, influencing identity formation among the target audience.
In conclusion, the Tide advert a level media analysis provides rich material for examining representations of gender, race, and domestic life in 1950s advertising. It serves as an excellent case study for students exploring Feminist Perspectives on the media van Zoonen and other critical theories in media studies.
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Page 1: Representation of Women in 1950s Tide Advertisement
The 1950s Tide advert representation of women is a prime example of how media portrayed feminine ideals during this era. The woman in the advertisement is meticulously styled, with a full face of makeup, coiffed hair, and a fashionable dress, signifying the importance placed on women's appearances. This idealized image serves as an aspirational model for the target audience, suggesting that using Tide will help them achieve this level of perfection.
Highlight: The woman's styled appearance and dress code reflect 1950s fashion trends, with her hairstyle reminiscent of popular celebrities of the time.
The practical aspect of femininity is also represented through the headscarf, which keeps her hair tidy while working. Her smiling expression and the symbolic hearts surrounding her convey a love for housework and cleaning, reinforcing the stereotype that women enjoyed domestic duties.
Example: The slogan "Tide's got what women want!" implies that women desire to be involved in housework and find joy in it.
The historical context of the advertisement is crucial to understanding its representation. In the 1950s, many women were expected to be full-time mothers and wives, staying at home to manage household chores rather than pursuing careers. This ad reflects the societal push to encourage women to return to domestic life after experiencing increased freedom during World War II when many had entered the workforce.
Vocabulary: Intertextual reference - The woman's headscarf and pose may allude to "Rosie the Riveter," a cultural icon representing women's strength and capability during wartime.
The advertisement's composition, with the woman as the large and dominant figure in the frame, presents her as powerful and appealing to post-war women who had experienced independence. This representation aligns with Van Zoonen feminist media studies, which often examine how media portray women in domestic roles due to traditional gender expectations.
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Where can I download the Knowunity app?
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
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Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
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The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user