4 - The Role of Gender

Summary

Historically, marketing has viewed women primarily as consumers and men as producers, a perspective deeply ingrained in societal gender constructs. Contemporary shifts in consumer culture, particularly the integration of physical and digital realms, have transformed the roles women play as both consumers and producers, challenging traditional gender-based market segmentation. Central to the discussion is the concept of gender as a cultural performance, with brands acting as signifiers aiding consumers in navigating their cultural landscapes. This navigation is influenced by a consumer’s gender identity and their desire for self-expression. Brands, therefore, are not just products but markers that consumers use to articulate and negotiate their identities within a gendered cultural context. Gender is presented as a spectrum, influencing how consumers relate to brands and how brands can segment their markets more effectively by gender identity rather than biological sex. Brands that understand and engage with the gendered performances of a consumer’s sense of self can create ‘safe spaces’ for consumers to express their identities, fostering deeper connections and brand loyalty.