That, in a nutshell, is the creative direction of a lot of current advertising. Make a conscious effort over the next few weeks to watch the TV, listen to the radio or review online or print ads through this analytical lens and see how often marketers have used base stereotypes of gender differences in their advertising.  As household and discretionary expenditure has become increasingly controlled by women, marketers have pandered to this primary source of purchasing power. Men are being presented on the one hand as lovable and cuddly, but also prone to acting like a cute dog that doesn’t know better. On the other hand, men are being presented as misogynists. (more…)

As long ago as 1994, the British wine bar brand, All Bar One, set the tone for a new wave of bars and clubs designed for women. The original concept for All Bar One was developed by two enterprising ladies, who wanted a bar ideal for women to have a drink and something to eat without the intimidating and secretive confines of a traditional British pub. As a result, the design of the bars feature huge glass frontage, open spaces and interiors that are bright and airy, making the space seem open, inviting and visibly safe. (more…)