We’ve all heard the adage, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” When launching our Cents of Self page, I delved into the world of stock photos, searching for images representing women and money. However, my initial optimism quickly turned to frustration as I encountered a recurring pattern in the search results. Seeking visuals for “women and money,” I was met with approximately 211,000 hits. Yet, sifting through the first three pages, each displaying around 100 photos, revealed a disheartening trend. The “thousand words” these images conveyed were far from empowering.
The Problem with “Money Image”
It struck me that just as many women grapple with body image concerns, a similar issue exists in the realm of finance: a “money image problem.” My Adobe Stock search results vividly illustrated this point. The prevalent visuals associated with women and money often fell into stereotypical and undermining categories.
One recurring theme was the “naughty spender” – images depicting women seemingly indulging in frivolous purchases or treating money as a tool for impulsive gratification. This “I finally have the money and I’m going to do something naughty with it” pose reinforces the stereotype of women being less responsible or serious with their finances.
Another prevalent image type was the infantilizing “piggy bank pose.” These photos often featured women holding piggy banks in a cutesy or childlike manner, suggesting a naive or simplistic understanding of money. The “OMG this piggy bank looks like me!” pose undermines the financial capabilities of women by associating them with childish concepts of saving.
Equally concerning were images portraying financial cluelessness. The “money flying out of my wallet and I’m clueless” pose became another frustratingly common sight. These visuals depict women as unaware of their finances, suggesting a lack of control or understanding when it comes to money management.
A Stark Contrast: The “Men and Money” Image
The disparity became strikingly clear when I altered my search terms slightly. By simply changing “women and money” to “men and money,” the results shifted dramatically. The images presented a completely different narrative, one focused on financial acumen and empowerment. These photos were overwhelmingly about building wealth, strategic financial planning, and confident money management. In fact, the fourth image on the very first page of my search for “men and money” encapsulated this contrasting representation perfectly.
This image, which I like to call “Mister Money Magnet,” portrays a man confidently engaging with financial data, projecting an image of control, knowledge, and financial prowess. This stark contrast highlights the deeply ingrained stereotypes perpetuated by stock imagery and the prevailing “money image” associated with each gender.
The Reality of Women and Finance
These stereotypical stock photos, while prevalent, fail to reflect the reality of women’s relationship with money. They perpetuate outdated attitudes and ignore the diverse and capable roles women play in the financial world. Reflecting on real-life scenarios, the glaring omissions in stock photo representations become even more apparent.
Where are the images depicting women diligently reviewing financial statements, making informed decisions about their investments, or strategizing to secure their financial futures? Where are the visuals showcasing women navigating complex financial challenges, such as planning for long-term care for elderly parents or building a solid financial foundation as single mothers?
Why is it so difficult to find stock photos of female financial professionals – the CPAs, CFPs, and financial advisors who expertly guide individuals and businesses towards financial success? The absence of these realistic and empowering “money images” in mainstream stock photo libraries is a disservice to women and reinforces harmful stereotypes.
Rejecting the “Airbrush Effect” in Finance
Just as we recognize the unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by airbrushed images in fashion magazines, we must also recognize the distorted “money image” often presented in media. We know that magazine covers don’t reflect real skin texture or body types, and similarly, these stereotypical stock photos don’t reflect the true financial capabilities and realities of women.
Countless women expertly manage household budgets, excel in finance careers, and possess a deep understanding of financial principles. These women are everywhere, contributing significantly to the financial landscape. It’s crucial to cultivate confidence in your own financial knowledge and not allow these misleading media representations to sow seeds of doubt. Define your own “money image,” one that reflects your competence, responsibility, and financial empowerment, and don’t let outdated stereotypes dictate your financial self-perception.
Disclaimer: Huber Financial Advisors, LLC is an investment advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any opinions expressed in this material reflect our judgement at this date and are subject to change. No representation is made that this information is complete and should be relied upon as such. While every effort has been taken to verify the accuracy of this information, Huber Financial cannot accept any responsibility or liability for reliance by any person on this report or any of the information, opinions or conclusions set out in this report. This material is not intended to be a solicitation or offer, or recommendation to acquire or dispose of any investment or to engage in any other transaction. This material is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to provide investment or tax advice. Please consult your investment or tax professional for advice on your particular situation. Investing involves risk including the possible loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
