Western Fashion Advertising in Mainland Urban China And its Effects on the Self Image of Youth

This book addresses the idea of western fashion advertising and its implied effects on identity and values of young people in contemporary Mainland urban China. Through an in-depth analysis of current fashion magazines and outdoor advertising, survey of Chinese urban youth and personal interview of this group, this thesis relays the large scope and reach of western advertising in urban China as well as perceptions and responses to this form of advertising. Survey and interview of contemporary Chinese youth gives the picture that western fashion advertising has saturated this community and communicates the concepts of advertising as a site for cultural change. Self-image concerns are discussed with suggestions of ways to create more culture-specific advertising and marketing campaigns that meld with Chinese cultural values.