Does sexism in advertising matter if it leads to sales? | #WomensLiberation #AdvertisingHistory #80s

In 1985, ABC's Pressure Point put advertising on trial.

As the women's liberation movement pushed to change how women were seen at work, at home, and everywhere in between, this panel debate asked whether Australian ads were keeping pace, or holding women back.

Advertising executives argued sales came first. A researcher and advocate pushed back hard.

Contacted about the historical views he expressed in this video, Geoff Cousins told the ABC: "I specifically reject the concept that this is the only role that women should adopt," adding that "the situation has changed markedly and the opportunities for women have widened enormously." He also pointed to his own record, saying he has "helped to support that push... by ensuring that the companies I've run have had a high percentage of women in senior roles and by condemning clubs and other organisations that restrict or deny membership for women."

John Singleton was contacted for comment and did not respond.

📽 Video edited by Jas Rule

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