The Face of Nonbinary Beauty Communication on Instagram: A Content Analysis

Gender is a feature of beauty marketing, used in marketing segmentation and communication images, where binary images are predominant. Recently, the social identity of gender has become increasingly nuanced as a more complex set of identities, including genderqueer and nonbinary, influences marketing communications. As part of cultural expression, advertising reflects and impacts how consumers perceive themselves and others, with Generation Z consumers increasingly rejecting gender labels and stereotypes. Consequently, our study involves the visual meaning making of 222 Instagram images of beauty brands' marketing communications with models other than female in traditional Western society's conceptualization of gender. The findings reveal a group of models who are not female; while most of these images are genderqueer, a group that may be considered agender is evident. Both groups have distinctive although differing characteristics, suggesting the development of new stereotypes. This study contributes to understanding the changing representations of models: While beauty brands primarily use female models, the increased use of genderqueer and agender models can attract alternative target markets. It also highlights advertising's place in cultural expressions that both reflect and impact how consumers perceive themselves and others.

Automated summary

Gender plays a significant role in beauty marketing, and the concept of gender is becoming more nuanced with the inclusion of genderqueer and nonbinary identities. Advertising, as a form of cultural expression, shapes consumers' perceptions of themselves and others. Generation Z consumers are rejecting traditional gender labels and stereotypes. This study explores the visual representation of non-female models in beauty brands' marketing communications and reveals the emergence of genderqueer and agender models, indicating the development of new stereotypes. This research contributes to understanding the evolving representations of models and the impact of advertising on consumers' self-perception and societal norms.