“Family in Advertising[2]” is a term referring to the depiction of family units in commercial promotions. It traces its roots back to the post-Industrial Revolution and the rise of advertising. This concept involves the use of family images and roles to establish brand[4] loyalty[3] and engage in targeted marketing. Over time, these portrayals have become more realistic, reflecting changes in societal attitudes towards family roles and gender norms. The portrayal of family members, from parents to siblings, and even occasionally grandparents, are used to convey messages about societal expectations. The depiction of husbands, wives, and gender roles also play a significant role in this aspect of advertising. Furthermore, these portrayals are heavily influenced by sociological and cultural norms from different countries, reflecting societal categories and prescribing behavior based on these ideals. Lastly, this term also encompasses the academic research and media literacy[1] regarding the influence and impact of these family portrayals on societal perceptions and advertising profitability.
Since the Industrial Revolution, use of the family in advertising has become a prominent practice in marketing campaigns to increase profits. Some sociologists say that these advertisements can influence behavior and attitudes; advertisers tend to portray family members in an era's traditional, socially-acceptable roles.