“Lessons to Learn”: Constructions of Femininity in Popular Magazine Breast Health Narratives

Abstract

Personal narratives associated with breast health are prominent in women’s magazines. Within the personal stories are themes and frames that reinforce traditional femininity, support narrow beauty ideals, and emphasize women’s roles as mothers. This article analyzes personal narratives about breast health published in the October issues of forty women’s magazines from 2005 through 2008. Feminist theorizing about breast cancer grew out of the women’s health movement which recognized that paternalistic thinking and scientific discourse have worked to disassociate women from knowledge about our bodies as a form of control. Breasts have social and cultural significance related to motherhood and sexuality, which additionally complicates the discourses surrounding breast health. Magazine content related to breast health is created and produced within a cultural context that devalues women. Building on a critical analysis of personal narratives about breast health this article argues for a more nuanced understanding that recognizes the potential for empowerment that the inclusion of women’s lived experience provides while being critical of narrow gender constructions supported by mainstream breast health narratives.