Body Image, Confidence, And Media Influence: A Study Of Middle School Adolescents

For years, we have all been aware of the media’s portrayal of the ideal female as unreasonably thin. In recent years, portrayals of males as both thin and muscular have also appeared. While a myriad of research has shown that these images have negative effects on women’s body image and self-confidence, few studies have examined what these images do to younger consumers, both female and male. This study examines these issues and also looks at the differences in influence by race. The results show that Hispanic females are the most likely to be influenced, followed by White females. Black females reported no influence. With respect to adolescent boys, only a few reported any influence at all

The Marketing Of Body Image: A Cross-Cultural Comparison Of Gender Effects In The U.S. And China

Recently, there has been increasing controversy about the use of extremely thin female models and extremely muscular male models in advertising and fashion campaigns.  While this practice has been studied extensively over time, it is again in the forefront as models with low body mass indexes are being kept off runways around the world.  While most consumers understand that these images are nearly unattainable, they do tend to compare themselves with these idealized images resulting in lower satisfaction with their own bodies and lower self-esteem.  While past research most often examines these feelings with respect to women, there is little research on the effect on men and their self-image.  Also, while this has primarily been a “western” problem, it is becoming a problem in “eastern” cultures as western images and advertising campaigns proliferate.  This study examines both U.S. and Chinese men and women’s perceptions of body image.  The findings show cultural differences between the U.S. and Chinese males and females.  The U.S. women were the most affected, while there was no difference by gender between the Chinese men and women.  However, as the Chinese culture becomes more influenced by western ideals, this trend in body image dissatisfaction should increase

Examining the Effectiveness of Athlete Celebrity Endorser Characteristics and Product Brand Type: The Endorser Sexpertise Continuum

This research furthers the theoretical perspectives that athlete endorsers are brands unto themselves, and that athlete-endorser effectiveness is determined by congruent pairings of the athlete-endorser brand and the product brand by introducing the Endorser Sexpertise Continuum. This model categorizes athlete celebrity endorsers on the Endorser Sexpertise Continuum with anchor points referred to as “acquirable expertise” and “likeability.” As in successful brand alliances, this model suggests the types of products/brands the athlete celebrities would be most successful in endorsing, depending on their positioning on the continuum

Social Networking Tools in a University Setting: A Students Perspective

ABSTRACT As Professors, we are challenged to reach ever-changing cohorts of college students as they flow through our classes and our lives. Technological advancements happen daily and we need to decide which, if any, to incorporate into our classrooms. Our students constantly check Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and other online social networks. Should we be posting course materials to these sites, or using them as communication vehicles? We asked 236 students in two states if they believe there is a use for these sites in the learning process. The answer was a definite NO. Students want to keep their social roles and their student roles separate

Instant Messenger Friends? Social Relationship Behavior Differences Between Two Countries

Canadian and U.S. respondents’ social behavior resulting from communication tools is examined.  Results suggest that Canadians are less likely to use social communication tools to develop new relationships

Mexican maquiladoras: helping or hurting the US/Mexico cross‐border supply chain?

Purpose: This study aims to report on the current issues facing the maquiladora industry in Mexico and the cross‐border supply chain and to present suggestions for improving the situation in the future. Design/methodology/approach: Phenomenological interviews were conducted with managers overseeing various aspects of the cross‐border supply chain. The resulting data were analyzed using a grounded theory methodology to uncover theoretical linkages. Findings: The results of this study show that maquiladoras experience many of the same problems as other companies in terms of managing the cross‐border supply chain. Key factors such as distance, comparative advantage, and integration of the workforce cause problems everyday for the managers involved. Research limitations/implications: This was an exploratory investigation of the issues with a small number of informants and future research needs to be done to gain additional insights. As North American Free Trade Agreement enters its second decade, and the focus on global supply chain efficiency becomes primary for all manufacturers, solving the problems discussed in this paper becomes even more paramount. Practical implications: In addition to low‐cost manufacturing, distance and integration are critical issues for companies to understand in their pursuit of a low‐cost strategy for competitive advantage. Originality/value: The major contribution of this paper has been an improved understanding of the impediments to success in the Mexican maquiladoras. Many of the issues discussed in this paper would also apply to other global supply chains and numerous other countries