Feminists, Feminisms, and Advertising
It was great to see the promotional materials available for the book, Feminists, Feminisms, and Advertising. My chapter is about home economics and careers for women in advertising.
As I wrote: Many of these women – both in the women’s pages of newspapers and adverting copy writers – found their careers through home economics. The stories of educated women’s paid employment are often defined by careers as nurses, teachers, or librarians. Yet, home economics (initially called domestic science) was a popular college major for women who found careers upon graduation. As part of their majors, they learned about writing copy, understanding new technologies, and educating consumers. They went on to work in various parts of the advertising industry, creating ads, selling ads, and serving as consultants. They also worked at advertising food products through developing new recipes and overseeing cooking contests. They ran test kitchens and answered letters that promoted products. They largely spoke to a white, middle-class audience who made their own food and did their own housework.
