In what ways are gender identities commercialized globally?

Gender identities are commercialized globally through advertising, product design, media representation, and the fashion industry.

Advertising is a significant avenue through which gender identities are commercialized. Advertisers often use gender stereotypes to sell products, reinforcing traditional gender roles and expectations. For instance, cleaning products are often marketed towards women, implying that housework is a woman's responsibility, while cars and technology are often marketed towards men, reinforcing the stereotype that these are male interests. This not only limits the perception of what each gender can or should do but also capitalizes on these stereotypes to drive sales.

Product design is another area where gender identities are commercialized. Many products are designed and marketed specifically for men or women, even when there is no practical reason for the gender distinction. For example, razors for men and women are functionally identical, but they are often designed and marketed differently, with 'feminine' colours and features for women's razors and 'masculine' ones for men's. This gendered marketing strategy is used to create a perceived need for gender-specific products, thereby increasing sales.

Media representation also plays a significant role in the commercialization of gender identities. Films, television shows, and video games often portray characters in ways that reinforce gender stereotypes, and these portrayals are used to sell related merchandise. For example, action figures and video games often feature hyper-masculine male characters and hyper-feminine female characters, reinforcing narrow and stereotypical ideas of masculinity and femininity.

The fashion industry is another major player in the commercialization of gender identities. Clothing is often designed and marketed based on gender, with distinct styles, colours, and fits for men and women. This not only reinforces traditional gender roles and expectations but also creates a market for gender-specific clothing. Moreover, the fashion industry often capitalizes on the fluidity of gender identity, with trends like 'androgynous' or 'gender-neutral' fashion becoming popular and profitable.

In conclusion, gender identities are commercialized in various ways globally, through advertising, product design, media representation, and the fashion industry. These practices not only reinforce traditional gender roles and expectations but also capitalize on them to drive sales.