Babes and boobs? Analysis of JAMA cover art

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

Papers

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 sexesin JAMA coverart.
Design: Review of 50 consecutiveissues.
Setting: JAMA, March 1997-March1998.
Main outcome measures: Numbers and nature of covers portraying menandwomen.
Results: Of the 50 covers, 34 depicted humans. 15 depictedwomen, 13 men, and 6 were of mixed or indeterminate sex. 11 picturesof women included a child and five included nudity. One covershowed a man with a child (not as a father) and none depictednudity. Men were depicted exclusively in authoritativeroles.
Conclusions: Much of the cover art gives strong messagesabout sexual stereotypes that are inappropriate in modern society.JAMA should consider reviewing its policy for choosing coverart.