BMJ 1999;319:1603-1605 ( 18 December )

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Babes and boobs? Analysis of JAMA cover art

Jocalyn P Clark. 

Correspondence to: J P Clark, Centre for Research in Women's Health, Toronto, Canada M5G 1N8 j.clark{at}utoronto.ca

Objective: To determine the representation of the sexes in JAMA cover art.
Design: Review of 50 consecutive issues.
Setting: JAMA, March 1997-March 1998.
Main outcome measures: Numbers and nature of covers portraying men and women.
Results: Of the 50 covers, 34 depicted humans. 15 depicted women, 13 men, and 6 were of mixed or indeterminate sex. 11 pictures of women included a child and five included nudity. One cover showed a man with a child (not as a father) and none depicted nudity. Men were depicted exclusively in authoritative roles.
Conclusions: Much of the cover art gives strong messages about sexual stereotypes that are inappropriate in modern society. JAMA should consider reviewing its policy for choosing cover art.

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