Reading Women: Did the Periodical Press Influence the Construct of
‘the Woman Reader’ in the Early 20th Century?
Alesha Bonser
Abstract
An analysis of the weekly periodical press, specifically the women’s weekly magazine Home Chat, to demonstrate the emergence of the distinctive literary character of ‘the woman reader’ in the early 20th century. This article will argue that although publishers were ostensibly responding to the needs of the newly created female readership, the periodical press was simultaneously contributing to the construction of ‘the woman reader’ in its dissemination of gendered editorial and advertorial content. It will be argued that the content of these magazines, in combination with the marketing tactics employed by publishers themselves, led to the specific segregation of ‘writing for women’ which has ultimately resulted in the trivialisation of female readership.
‘the Woman Reader’ in the Early 20th Century?
Alesha Bonser
Abstract
An analysis of the weekly periodical press, specifically the women’s weekly magazine Home Chat, to demonstrate the emergence of the distinctive literary character of ‘the woman reader’ in the early 20th century. This article will argue that although publishers were ostensibly responding to the needs of the newly created female readership, the periodical press was simultaneously contributing to the construction of ‘the woman reader’ in its dissemination of gendered editorial and advertorial content. It will be argued that the content of these magazines, in combination with the marketing tactics employed by publishers themselves, led to the specific segregation of ‘writing for women’ which has ultimately resulted in the trivialisation of female readership.
