This essay will explain and analyze the contribution of two fashion advertisements to the social construction of binary gender norms (the traits associated with different genders created by society) . These are an ad for Calvin Klein and an ad for Dolce and Gabbana, found in an article titled "15 Recent Ads That Glorify Sexual Violence Against Women", and they will be analyzed due to their depiction of masculine gender as strong and powerful, and the feminine gender as passive and subordinate. These ads are also linked to broader structures of intersectional gender inequality, due to the social and harmful effects they could have on their viewers. It is first necessary to describe the Dolce and Gabbana and Calvin Klein advertisements, which depict and glorify scenes of gang rape, in order to analyze how they contribute to the social construction of binary gender norms. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”? Get the original essay The Dolce and Gabbana ad features several male figures and a singular female figure, and there is a clear distinction in the balance of powers, because the male models are physically strong and dominate the female model, who, on the other hand, is forced to lie down by one of the men. Additionally, both male and female models are sexualized, as most male models are topless or wear open shirts, in order to effectively present their physical power, while the female model simply wears a swimsuit and high heels, the thus presenting. like the perfectly feminine figure. It is also important to note that the men in the advert are sexualized, but as aggressors, while the woman is also sexualized, but conversely, as a passive victim. Additionally, although all of the models are relatively impassive, the woman is the only one with a seductively parted mouth and a blank, inconsiderate stare, while the man holding her down looks straight into her eyes, demonstrating the contrast . with the powerful and active male figure and the immobile and passive female figure. Similarly, Calvin Klein's advertising features several male figures and a single female figure, and depicts them as emotionless, while explicitly sexualizing them. The men are mostly shirtless and the woman only wears a top that goes up to her chest. Furthermore, the woman is held to the ground, as in the Dolce and Gabbana advertisement, but in contrast, it is two men who hold her to the ground, emphasizing the total helplessness of the woman and the extreme control of the men. Additionally, the woman has a completely blank expression, while the two men holding her down look directly at her, once again demonstrating the depiction of male figures as active and female figures as completely passive and subordinate. Therefore, the depiction of these two advertisements demonstrates the overt sexualization and victimization of the women present in them, as well as the controlling power of men. As a result, these two advertisements, purporting to advertise both brands' jeans, contribute to the social construction of binary gender norms. The male figures are presented as men who have reached the peak of their masculinity - they are physically strong, powerful and manage to take control of a woman and her body - while the female figures are simply there to highlight men's power, and they are considerably passive – a trait that is.