GQ: Language and Representation

 GQ - Language & Representation blog tasks

Create a blogpost called 'GQ: Language and Representation' and complete the following tasks:

Language: Media factsheet

Complete the following tasks using Media Factsheet 252 - The Codes and Conventions of Print Magazines available in our Media Factsheet archive here. Answer the following questions:

1) What are the different magazine genres highlighted on page 2 and how do they link to our magazine CSPs?

The three genres are: General Interest, Special Interest, and Professional. GQ falls under General Interest because it covers a wide range of lifestyle topics including fashion, culture, and entertainment, appealing to a broad male readership.

2) Look at the section on GQ on page 2. How do they suggest that GQ targets its audience?

GQ targets men by focusing on fashion, grooming, and image, while also addressing their intellectual interests and cultural curiosity. It offers content that informs, educates and entertains men interested in contemporary lifestyle trends.

3) What does the factsheet say about GQ cover stars?

GQ carefully selects its cover stars to reflect its brand identity and appeal to its audience, often choosing celebrities who embody modern masculinity and have cultural significance.

4) Pick out five of the key conventions of magazine front covers and explain what they communicate to an audience.

Masthead: The bold sans-serif logo at the top creates brand recognition and visual impact.

Date, price, and barcode: These are conventionally positioned to provide key information for consumers.

Main coverline: Features enticing headlines unrelated to the image, using varied typography to attract diverse reader interests.

Pull quotes: These create intimacy with the audience, offering insider gossip or humor to build a personal connection.

Sensationalist language & intertextuality: Borrowing from true crime or gossip genres to generate emotional reactions and interest.

5) What is a magazine’s ‘house style’? How would you describe GQ’s house style? 

A house style refers to the consistent design, layout, tone, and branding of a magazine. GQ’s house style includes its bold logo placement, stylish and modern photography, minimal yet impactful text design, and a sophisticated tone that reflects its fashionable, upscale identity.

Extension tasks: Look at the final pages of the magazine factsheet that focus on creating magazine pages for coursework. What can you take from this to help future coursework projects? 

Language: CSP analysis

Use your annotated CSP pages to help answer the following questions. You can find an annotated copy of the GQ pages here (you'll need your Greenford Google login).

1) Write a summary of our annotations on the media language choices on the cover of GQ - e.g. colour scheme, typography, language, photographic codes etc. 

The typography is unique, artistic, and ink-like, aligning with the artistic nature of the issue.

The blue and black background colour scheme evokes traditional masculine connotations.

Using Propp’s theory, Robert Pattinson could be seen as the ‘villain’ due to his aggressive facial expression and bruised appearance.

The medium close-up, high-key lighting, and makeup suggest a ‘beaten up’ look.

His muscular physique and stern look reinforce strength and toughness.

2) Identify three specific aspects/conventions/important points (e.g. cover lines, colour scheme, use of text, image etc.) from each page/feature of the CSP that you could refer to in a future exam. Explain why that particular aspect of the CSP is important - think about connotations, representations, audience pleasures, reception theory etc.

Front cover: Robert Pattinson image - Art & Fashion issue

The blue/black colour palette continues masculine traditions, despite the magazine’s ‘new masculinity’ theme.

The obscure placement of the masthead behind Pattinson’s head reflects contemporary magazine design.

The visual styling (facial bruises, intense gaze) suggests an edgier, darker take on masculinity.

Inside pages: Jonathan Bailey feature and fashion shoot

His fashion choices (patterned trousers, soft backgrounds) hint at an evolving, more fluid version of masculinity, supporting Gauntlett’s identity theory.

Background imagery (flowers, neutral tones) softens the traditional representation.

His poses and confident expressions still portray traditional male confidence and dominance.

3) Apply narrative theories to GQ - Todorov's equilibrium, Propp's character types, Barthes' action or enigma codes, Levi-Strauss's binary opposition. How can we use narrative to understand the way the cover and features have been constructed?

Propp: Pattinson is constructed as the ‘villain’ through aggressive facial expressions and bruised appearance.

Todorov: The image shows a disequilibrium in Pattinson’s career narrative, contrasting his earlier ‘heroic’ Twilight roles.

Barthes: The bruises and intense gaze create enigma codes, inviting readers to question the backstory.

Levi-Strauss: Binary oppositions between traditional and new masculinity are evident in GQ’s approach.

4) Analyse the cover and inside pages of GQ. Does this offer an example of Steve Neale's genre theory concerning 'repetition and difference'?

 

GQ uses genre repetition with its familiar masculine colour scheme and bold typography, but introduces difference by challenging masculinity through styling choices, cover star representation, and updated narratives around gender identity.

Representations: applying theory

We have already covered many relevant theories in our work on Advertising and Marketing (for example, David Gauntlett's writing on Media, Gender and Identity). We now need to apply these theories and ideas to GQ and specifically the CSP pages allocated by AQA.

1) How can Gauntlett's ideas on masculinity, gender and identity be applied to the GQ CSP pages we have analysed? 

Gauntlett’s ideas on identity apply as GQ presents both traditional and evolving forms of masculinity. For example, Jonathan Bailey’s stylish but patterned trousers represent a shift away from rigid masculine norms, reflecting the fluidity Gauntlett describes.

2) How could van Zoonen's work on feminist and gender theory be applied to GQ? Does the magazine challenge or reinforce these ideas?

Van Zoonen argues media shapes gender roles and reinforces patriarchy. GQ both challenges and reinforces this — while the front cover with Pattinson maintains dominant masculine traits (strength, aggression, sex appeal), other features (such as Bailey’s styling) explore evolving masculinity and challenge rigid gender roles.

3) Does bell hooks's work on 'corrosive masculinity' apply to GQ? 

bell hooks’s concept of corrosive masculinity is less applicable to GQ’s recent issues. The magazine is attempting to break away from harmful masculine stereotypes through its ‘new masculinity’ approach, showcasing more fluid, diverse representations of men.

4) How does the Jonathan Bailey feature represent masculinity and sexuality? 

Jonathan Bailey is presented as stylish, powerful and dominant through low camera angles and sophisticated fashion. However, his attire and soft background elements challenge narrow masculine stereotypes, suggesting a more nuanced portrayal of masculinity and sexuality.

Representations: wider reading - GQ and the new masculinity

Read this CNN feature on how GQ is redefining masculinity and answer the following questions:

1) Which GQ issue is discussed at the start of the article and what was notable about it? 

The New Masculinity Issue is discussed. Its bold, gender-fluid imagery, psychedelic typeface, and the inclusion of Pharrell Williams (in soft, almost feminine poses) challenged traditional perceptions of GQ as solely a men’s magazine.

2) How did Will Welch view GQ when he took over as Editor-in-Chief and what did he want to offer readers? 

Welch saw GQ as a magazine for anyone interested in stylish living, not just for men. He aimed to explore broader ideas of masculinity while keeping pace with cultural and social shifts in gender representation.

3) How has publisher Conde Nast responded to changes in the magazine industry and how did this impact GQ?

To adapt to industry changes, Conde Nast cut costs and expanded digital content, including YouTube channels like GQ Sports. This shift allowed GQ to reach new audiences and stay relevant in the digital media landscape.

4) What did the GQ New Masculinity edition feature? 

The issue included a range of voices — actors, athletes, and artists — discussing their views on masculinity today. This diversity highlighted that there is no single definition of masculinity and opened up broader discussions.

5) What did journalist Liz Plank say about toxic masculinity?

Plank argued that masculinity is socially constructed and taught rather than innate, and that toxic masculinity is a global issue embedded in cultural teachings worldwide.

6) How did Welch respond to suggestions GQ was responsible for toxic masculinity?

Welch rejected the idea that GQ was previously harmful, stating it had not promoted toxic masculinity even before his leadership.

Finally, read this short GQ feature on masculinity and answer the following questions:

1) What does the article suggest masculinity involved at the start of the 20th century?

Masculinity was defined by strength, independence, courage, confidence, and assertiveness — very rigid and traditional ideals.

2) What social change occurred from the 1930s?

As the UK deindustrialised, many manual labour jobs disappeared, replacing industrial masculinity with office-based work and a shifting definition of masculine identity.

3) What is suggested about masculinity today?

Masculinity has evolved into a shared set of traits that both men and women can embody. There’s a move toward dismantling rigid gender expectations and promoting greater gender equality.

4) Why does it suggest these changes are important? 

These shifts are especially vital in addressing men’s mental health, as suicide remains the leading cause of death for men under 45. Evolving definitions of masculinity may help reduce harmful pressures and stigmas.

A/A* extension tasks

Read more of GQ's New Masculinity issue - you may need to register (for free) with the GQ website to access this. How is masculinity and identity discussed? Can you link it to any of our theorists? 

From the same issue, this is Will Welch's Editor's letter where he discusses the new direction for the magazine.

There is also a New York Times interview with Will Welch which covers GQ's new approach to masculinity. The New York Times has a paywall but you can usually read the first article you click on for free.