Following on research which examined gender representation in ads from 2006 to 2016, Walter Thompson and the Geena Davis Institute look at 2017… Only to find no difference.
EMBARGOED – New York, NY, September 25, 2017, 2:15PM – An extension of the Unpacking Gender Bias in Advertising research from the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media at Mount Saint Mary’s University and J. Walter Thompson New York shows no statistically significant difference between 2006 and 2017 when it comes to gender representation in ads.
Comparing the distributions of screen-time and speaking-time for 2017 with 2006 through 2016 yielded no statistically significant differences between the values. The four key observations from the research, and the trend of these measures, remain unchanged:
- Men get 4 x as much screen time as women
- Men speak 7 x more than women
- 25% of ads feature men only, while only 5% of ads feature women only
- 18% of ads feature only male voices, while less than 3% of ads featuring female voices only
Additional research identifying other variables associated with prominent characters show no gender gap change in age (Women in ads are mostly in their 20s while men are in their 20s, 30s, and 40s) and location (Women are 48% more likely to be shown in the kitchen). However, for 3 variables the gender gap between grew larger in 2017:
- Humor: in 2017, men are 2.6 x more likely to be funny than female characters – vs. 2 x more likely in 2006/2016.
- Work: in 2017, male characters are twice likely to have a job: 1 in 5 women is shown with an occupation compared to 2 in 5 men – vs. 1 in 4 women and 1 in 3 men in 2006/2016.
- Intelligence: in 2017, men are 89% more likely to be shown as smart – vs. 62% in 2006/2016 (evaluating characters for whom intelligence is integral e.g. a doctor, a scientist).
The only gender gap decrease in 2017 was seen in the Objectification, with female characters shown in sexually revealing clothing only 5 x more than male characters – vs. 6x more in 2006/2016. However, the number of female characters shown in sexually revealing clothing remained the same, 1 in 10.
Madeline Di Nonno, CEO, Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media: “We’re excited by the response and forthcoming initiatives from the advertising community to address the vast unconscious gender bias in ads. Onscreen depictions of women and girls can be easily rectified. We’re very hopeful that we will see these numbers dramatically change within a few years.”
Lynn Power, Chief Executive Officer, J. Walter Thompson New York: “These findings are truly disheartening. But I am inspired and hopeful to see the impact and resonance they have had already with clients, partners and colleagues. I cannot wait for our industry to show that we are much better than that.”
The 2017 data extension launches at Advertising Week New York on Sept 25, presented by Madeline Di Nonno, CEO, Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media. It will be followed by an exciting panel of brand leaders to discuss how to challenge bias in advertising and raise awareness of its ripple effects. The panel moderated by Lynn Power, CEO JWT NY, includes Debra Bass, President, Global Marketing Services Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Jeffrey Rothman Vice President, Marketing Strategy & Innovation Danone and Karen Adam Beauty and Fashion Industry Consultant
The original research was presented at Cannes Lions Creativity Festival earlier this year. It examined Film and Film Craft winners and shortlists from 2006 to 2016, analyzed more than 2,000 films from Cannes Lions archive (English language only). It was published as part of a trend report by JWT Intelligence that frames findings in the wider context of what is happening with women and media.
The research uses the GD-IQ, an Automated Analysis Tool, funded by Google.org, and leveraging technologies from Google and the University of Southern California. It was conducted by Dr. Shri Narayanan, Krishna Somadepalli and the team of Engineers at the University of Southern California’s Signal Analysis and Interpretation Laboratory (SAIL), in collaboration with Dr. Caroline Heldman and the team of researchers at the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media.
– ENDS –
All enquiries: Claire Charruau, J. Walter Thompson New York
Claire.charruau@jwt.com / +1 312 868 9115
Notes to Editors
About the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media
Founded by Academy Award®-winning actor Geena Davis, the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media at Mount Saint Mary’s University is the only research-based organization working with media and entertainment companies with cutting-edge research, education and advocacy programs to dramatically improve how girls and women are reflected in media targeting children 11 and under.
About J. Walter Thompson New York
Walter Thompson New York is the headquarters of J. Walter Thompson Worldwide. We were ranked #5 Cyber agency in the world and #6 agency overall in NYC by the Cannes Lions Global Creativity Report.
We are a culturally-connected agency and we believe that the advertising industry has a big role to play in building culture.
We are proud to service some of the world’s most iconic global and local brands like Energizer, Johnson & Johnson, Kimberly-Clark, Wild Turkey, Nestlé, T. Rowe Price and Schick, among others.
About the University of Southern California’s Signal Analysis and Interpretation Laboratory
The Signal Analysis and Interpretation Laboratory (SAIL) resides at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. It was established in November 2000 by Professor Shrikanth Narayanan, who is also the Lab’s current director. SAIL conducts fundamental and applied research in human-centered information processing. SAIL’s award-winning research applications and systems development especially focus on domains with direct societal relevance including in human health and well-being, education, media, arts, and security. Studies have included developing tools for autism diagnosis and intervention, the training of therapists, as well as media analysis and technologies in support of national defense and security.
Research is supported by the NSF, NIH, DARPA, IARPA, Army, ONR, and grants from foundations and industry. SAIL supports a collaborative interdisciplinary environment and bridges research from several disciplines and partners both within and outside USC.
About Google.org
Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google, supports nonprofits that innovate to address humanitarian issues. Google.org was created to pursue, experiment with, and build upon ideas to improve the world, and continues to take an iterative approach to philanthropy today. Google.org develops and invests in pursuits that can have measurable impact on local, regional and global issues, and rallies Google’s people in support of these efforts with a singular goal of creating a better world, faster.
