Aanya Nadkarni
Class of 2029Glen Rock, New Jersey
About
Hello! My name is Aanya Nadkarni and my project is about the effects that advertisements have on beauty standards in different countries and the perception of women. I chose to research this topic because so many people, including me, deal with impossible beauty standards promoted by advertisements, and so many women struggle for equality. I intend to continue to research the negative effects of advertisements socially, and to further promote women's equality.Projects
- "A Cross-Cultural Analysis - Effect That Advertising Has on Socialization Focusing on Skin Tone and the Perception of Women" with mentor Yixi (Jan. 2, 2026)
Project Portfolio
A Cross-Cultural Analysis - Effect That Advertising Has on Socialization Focusing on Skin Tone and the Perception of Women
Started Sept. 8, 2025
Abstract or project description
Advertisements affect cultures’ social norms significantly, but also have an effect on certain cultures’ cultural values, and this can help to identify similarities and differences between separate cultures. Using the Schwartz Theory of Basic Values as a framework, this paper analyzes how hidden messages within advertisements reflect and portray values such as Conformity, Tradition, Achievement, and Self-direction, based on the messages hidden within skin lightening advertisements and portrayals of female models in advertisements. By performing a cross-cultural analysis with countries such as Japan, China, India, The Philippines, and The United States, the research emphasizes how skin lightening advertisements enforce colorism while associating lighter skin with success, beauty, and social mobility. Furthermore, this paper additionally studies the development of women’s portrayal in advertisements over the years, focusing on sexualization, stereotyping, and the emergence of “femvertising”. By comparing Western and Eastern advertising practices, the research finds that, while some beauty ideals are universal, cultural values have a significant role in shaping how Women and Skin Tone are portrayed in advertisements. Altogether, this research highlights the role of advertisements as cultural agents, which both reflect and influence societal values, which contributes to the persistent beauty standards and gender norms across cultures.