ANSWER

Part One: Advertisement Analysis

1. Representation of Individuals and Groups:
   • In the Hyundai “Smaht Pahk” advertisement, individuals are represented as tech-savvy and humorous. The group portrayed consists of everyday car owners.
   • Toyota’s Big Game Commercial features Cobie Smulders as a strong and independent individual. The group is diverse, representing a wide range of Toyota owners.
   • Jeep’s “Groundhog Day” ad showcases Bill Murray as an adventurous and carefree individual. The group includes people who enjoy outdoor activities and Jeep enthusiasts.
   • Audi’s “Let It Go” advertisement features Maisie Williams as a confident and empowered individual. The group seems to target a younger, environmentally conscious audience.
2. Target Audiences:
   • Hyundai’s ad is trying to reach tech-savvy consumers who appreciate humor.
   • Toyota’s commercial aims at a broad audience of potential car buyers.
   • Jeep’s ad targets adventure-seekers and Jeep enthusiasts.
   • Audi’s ad appears to target environmentally conscious consumers, particularly a younger demographic.
3. Unspoken Messages:
   • Hyundai’s ad subtly suggests that their technology makes life easier and more enjoyable.
   • Toyota’s commercial promotes the idea that their vehicles empower individuals.
   • Jeep’s ad implies that owning a Jeep brings adventure and excitement to life.
   • Audi’s ad suggests that choosing an electric vehicle (EV) empowers individuals to make a positive impact on the environment.
4. Stereotyped Group Behavior:
   • The Hyundai ad portrays people as reliant on technology for convenience, which could be seen as a stereotype of the modern, tech-dependent individual.
   • Toyota’s commercial challenges traditional gender roles, as Cobie Smulders takes on physically demanding tasks typically associated with men.
   • Jeep’s ad doesn’t necessarily rely on stereotypes but plays on the idea of adventure and fun associated with Jeep ownership.
   • Audi’s ad challenges the stereotype that EVs are dull and unexciting by featuring Maisie Williams in a dynamic and engaging manner.
5. Representation of Culture:
   • The ads do not explicitly represent culture, but they indirectly reflect American consumer culture by showcasing the values and desires of their target audiences.
   • There are no overt cultural stereotypes used in these advertisements.
6. Ethical Issues in Advertising:
   • These advertisements do not confirm biases explicitly, but they may unintentionally reinforce gender stereotypes.
   • They generally stay neutral on social or political movements, focusing on promoting products rather than taking a stance on social issues.
   • It is important for advertisers and companies in a diverse world to be inclusive and unbiased to avoid perpetuating stereotypes and to resonate with a wide range of consumers.

Part Two: Social Science Questions

Research Question: How do gender representations in advertising impact consumer perceptions and choices, and how can advertisers promote gender equality through their campaigns?

Social Science Perspective: I used a sociological perspective to develop this research question. Sociological concepts of gender roles, socialization, and the media’s influence on perceptions informed this question.

Major Development in the Social Sciences: The #MeToo movement and increased awareness of gender equality issues have significantly influenced the field of sociology. These developments have led to a reevaluation of how gender is represented in media and advertising.

Impact of Changes on Advertisements: The increased focus on gender equality and the evolving understanding of gender roles have led advertisers to be more conscious of how they portray individuals in their ads. Advertisements are now more likely to challenge traditional gender stereotypes and promote diversity and inclusivity.

Part Three: Reflection

Influence of Assumptions, Beliefs, and Values: My assumptions and beliefs influenced the way I analyzed the advertisements. For instance, I focused on gender representation due to my belief in gender equality. Others with different beliefs might have focused on different aspects of the ads or interpreted them differently.

Use of Social Science Perspectives: Social science perspectives are valuable for dissecting and understanding advertisements. For example, a sociological perspective helps unveil how ads reflect and shape societal norms and expectations.

Impact on Personal Life: Analyzing the world through social science perspectives has made me more critical of media and advertising. It has improved my ability to discern underlying messages and question stereotypes. This perspective can help me make more informed choices as a consumer.

Impact on Community Relationships: Applying social science perspectives can help address community issues related to representation, diversity, and social norms. It can facilitate more inclusive and constructive community discussions.

Understanding Global Contemporary Issues: Understanding social science perspectives helps in comprehending global challenges like gender inequality, cultural diversity, and social justice. It equips individuals to engage in discussions and contribute to positive change on a global scale.

1. • Toyota’s Big Game Commercial features Cobie Smulders as a strong and independent individual. The group is diverse, representing a wide range of Toyota owners.
   • Jeep’s “Groundhog Day” ad showcases Bill Murray as an adventurous and carefree individual. The group includes people who enjoy outdoor activities and Jeep enthusiasts.
   • Audi’s “Let It Go” advertisement features Maisie Williams as a confident and empowered individual. The group seems to target a younger, environmentally conscious audience.
2. Target Audiences:
   • Hyundai’s ad is trying to reach tech-savvy consumers who appreciate humor.
   • Toyota’s commercial aims at a broad audience of potential car buyers.
   • Jeep’s ad targets adventure-seekers and Jeep enthusiasts.
   • Audi’s ad appears to target environmentally conscious consumers, particularly a younger demographic.
3. Unspoken Messages:
   • Hyundai’s ad subtly suggests that their technology makes life easier and more enjoyable.
   • Toyota’s commercial promotes the idea that their vehicles empower individuals.
   • Jeep’s ad implies that owning a Jeep brings adventure and excitement to life.
   • Audi’s ad suggests that choosing an electric vehicle (EV) empowers individuals to make a positive impact on the environment.
4. Stereotyped Group Behavior:
   • The Hyundai ad portrays people as reliant on technology for convenience, which could be seen as a stereotype of the modern, tech-dependent individual.
   • Toyota’s commercial challenges traditional gender roles, as Cobie Smulders takes on physically demanding tasks typically associated with men.
   • Jeep’s ad doesn’t necessarily rely on stereotypes but plays on the idea of adventure and fun associated with Jeep ownership.
   • Audi’s ad challenges the stereotype that EVs are dull and unexciting by featuring Maisie Williams in a dynamic and engaging manner.
5. Representation of Culture:
   • The ads do not explicitly represent culture, but they indirectly reflect American consumer culture by showcasing the values and desires of their target audiences.
   • There are no overt cultural stereotypes used in these advertisements.
6. Ethical Issues in Advertising:
   • These advertisements do not confirm biases explicitly, but they may unintentionally reinforce gender stereotypes.
   • They generally stay neutral on social or political movements, focusing on promoting products rather than taking a stance on social issues.
   • It is important for advertisers and companies in a diverse world to be inclusive and unbiased to avoid perpetuating stereotypes and to resonate with a wide range of consumers.

Part Two: Social Science Questions

Research Question: How do gender representations in advertising impact consumer perceptions and choices, and how can advertisers promote gender equality through their campaigns?

Social Science Perspective: I used a sociological perspective to develop this research question. Sociological concepts of gender roles, socialization, and the media’s influence on perceptions informed this question.

Major Development in the Social Sciences: The #MeToo movement and increased awareness of gender equality issues have significantly influenced the field of sociology. These developments have led to a reevaluation of how gender is represented in media and advertising.

Impact of Changes on Advertisements: The increased focus on gender equality and the evolving understanding of gender roles have led advertisers to be more conscious of how they portray individuals in their ads. Advertisements are now more likely to challenge traditional gender stereotypes and promote diversity and inclusivity.

Part Three: Reflection

Influence of Assumptions, Beliefs, and Values: My assumptions and beliefs influenced the way I analyzed the advertisements. For instance, I focused on gender representation due to my belief in gender equality. Others with different beliefs might have focused on different aspects of the ads or interpreted them differently.

Use of Social Science Perspectives: Social science perspectives are valuable for dissecting and understanding advertisements. For example, a sociological perspective helps unveil how ads reflect and shape societal norms and expectations.

Impact on Personal Life: Analyzing the world through social science perspectives has made me more critical of media and advertising. It has improved my ability to discern underlying messages and question stereotypes. This perspective can help me make more informed choices as a consumer.

Impact on Community Relationships: Applying social science perspectives can help address community issues related to representation, diversity, and social norms. It can facilitate more inclusive and constructive community discussions.

Understanding Global Contemporary Issues: Understanding social science perspectives helps in comprehending global challenges like gender inequality, cultural diversity, and social justice. It equips individuals to engage in discussions and contribute to positive change on a global scale.

QUESTION

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