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Journal of Business Ethics

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09-03-2020 | Original Paper

Self-regulation of Sexist Digital Advertising: From Ethics to Law

Authors: David López Jiménez, Eduardo Carlos Dittmar, Jenny Patricia Vargas Portillo

Published in: Journal of Business Ethics | Issue 4/2021

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Abstract

Advertising is a booming activity both in the physical realm and on the Internet. Online advertising is growing and is subject to legal standards, although some self-imposed ethical standards for the industry are needed. This has been called self-regulation. This article examines the important role that self-regulation (in the form of ethical standards) can play in addressing advertising that uses degrading and discriminatory images of women that compromise their dignity. Sexist advertising is a reification of women—stereotypes and sexist social models—that do not convey a realistic image of a woman’s abilities and potential. This article analyzes specific decisions on the subject issued by the Jury of the Spanish Association for the Self-Regulation of Commercial Communication. The Jury’s decisions are based on a code of ethics. The technical expertise and impartiality manifested in its decisions have produced a high degree of credibility and confidence in the organization.

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Title: Self-regulation of Sexist Digital Advertising: From Ethics to Law
Authors: David López Jiménez
Eduardo Carlos Dittmar
Jenny Patricia Vargas Portillo
Publication date: 09-03-2020
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Published in: Journal of Business Ethics / Issue 4/2021
Print ISSN: 0167-4544
Electronic ISSN: 1573-0697
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-020-04471-y

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