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Retouchée au Féminin: The Gendered Nature of the French Law Mandating Labeling of Digitally Modified Images

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  • Rachel F. Rodgers

    (APPEAR, Department of Applied Educational Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
    Department of Psychiatric Emergency & Acute Care, Lapeyronie Hospital, CHRU, 34000 Montpellier, France)

  • Katherine Laveway

    (APPEAR, Department of Applied Educational Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA)

Abstract

The majority of advertisements contain thin-ideal imagery that have been digitally modified. A robust body of research has suggested that exposure to these retouched images has negative effects on body image and increases eating disorder risk. Furthermore, these concerns are known to be highly gendered both in nature and in their extent, with women revealing higher levels of concerns predominantly related to thinness. Although not supported as a useful approach by empirical data, in 2017, France introduced a law requiring advertisers to label images featuring models whose weight and/or shape have been altered. These images must bear the label “photographie retouchée”, or “retouched image”. However, this legislation has been difficult to enforce, as unlike other French legislation related to labeling advertising, its lack of specificity makes it difficult to identify violations. Paradoxically, given its intentions, where applied, uses of the label disproportionately focus on women’s bodies in the media, as compared to men’s bodies. These findings highlight the need for legislation that is enforceable and supported by the allocation of sufficient resources. In addition, findings highlight the importance of grounding legislation and policy in the extant relevant data and involving strategic stakeholders in its creation.

Suggested Citation

  • Rachel F. Rodgers & Katherine Laveway, 2021. "Retouchée au Féminin: The Gendered Nature of the French Law Mandating Labeling of Digitally Modified Images," Laws, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-9, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlawss:v:10:y:2021:i:3:p:62-:d:606040
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sylvie Borau & Marcelo Vinhal Nepomuceno, 2019. "The Self-Deceived Consumer: Women’s Emotional and Attitudinal Reactions to the Airbrushed Thin Ideal in the Absence Versus Presence of Disclaimers," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 154(2), pages 325-340, January.
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