Representation Matters
Content Analysis of Breastfeeding Images in a Commercial Stock Image Bank
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 18930776 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Lauren M Dinour (0000-0002-4638-6178, Montclair State University, corresponding author), Melanie Shefchik (0009-0006-5725-7669, Montclair State University) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 12 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 703-718 |
| Publication date | 2025-04-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2196-8837 • E-ISSN: 2197-3792 |
| Publisher | Springer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1007/s40615-024-01910-8 |
| PMID | 38286977 |
| OpenAlex | W4391309363 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 28 |
Several behavioral change theories posit that normative influences contribute to breastfeeding behaviors and disparities. Given that media has historically presented a narrow view of what is deemed normative in human milk feeding, this study describes who and what is represented in breastfeeding images available in a stock image bank, and whether differences exist based on the breastfeeding parent’s skin color. Using content analysis, the most relevant 2% ( n = 2284) of breastfeeding and lactation images in Adobe Stock were coded for 60 variables within 12 categories, such as skin color, ability, setting, skin exposure, etc. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the sample, and the Chi-square test of independence and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare images of breastfeeding parents with light and non-light skin color. Most images portrayed breastfeeding parents and breastfed children with light colored skin, only one child, an infant-aged child, and no other person. Scant images included accessories considered non-normative. Light skin parents were more frequently depicted with a wedding ring compared to non-light skin parents. Non-light skin parents were more often photographed outdoors compared to light skin parents. Images of light skin parents more frequently showed breast skin, whereas images of non-light skin parents more often showed nipple and/or areola skin. The paucity of diverse people and portrayals of breastfeeding in many ways mirror, and may even perpetuate, societal breastfeeding challenges and inequities. These findings highlight an immediate need for an expanded library of images showcasing a wider variety of breastfeeding experiences
Breastfeeding · Developmental psychology · Normative · Breastfeeding Practices and Influences · Child Development and Digital Technology · Child Nutrition and Feeding Issues · Medicine · Psychology · Pediatrics
The Long-Term Public Health Benefits of Breastfeeding
Taking race out of human genetics
Policy Statement
Health Promotion by Social Cognitive Means
The theory of planned behavior
Breastfeeding in Context
A Pilot Study of the Impact of Brief Exposure to Images of Breastfeeding Mothers on Attitudes Toward Mother’s Breastfeeding in Public
Not “Simply the Breast”
Pigmentocracies
Pigmentocracies
Is a Picture Worth A Thousand Words? An Experiment Comparing Observer-Based Skin Tone Measures
| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |