Ettisal: Journal of Communication
Vol. 10 No. 02 (2025): Ettisal : Journal of Communication

The Social Construction of the Meaning of Beauty in Dove and Wardah Advertisements on YouTube

Pia Khoirotun Nisa (Universitas Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah, Jl. Ir H. Juanda No.95, Ciputat, Kec. Ciputat Tim., Kota Tangerang Selatan, Banten 15412)
Jamhari Makruf (Universitas Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah, Jl. Ir H. Juanda No.95, Ciputat, Kec. Ciputat Tim., Kota Tangerang Selatan, Banten 15412)
Zakaria Zakaria (Universitas Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah, Jl. Ir H. Juanda No.95, Ciputat, Kec. Ciputat Tim., Kota Tangerang Selatan, Banten 15412)
Misnan Misnan (Institut Bisnis & Informatika (IBI) Kosgoro 1957, Jl. Moch. Kahfi II No.33, RT.1/RW.5, Srengseng Sawah, Kec. Jagakarsa, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 13550)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Dec 2025

Abstract

This study aims to analyze how Dove and Wardah’s digital campaigns on YouTube shape and deconstruct conventional beauty narratives through Peter L. Berger and Thomas Luckmann’s social construction theory. A qualitative approach combining critical discourse analysis and in-depth interviews was applied to explore audience interpretations of both campaigns. The findings reveal that Wardah successfully contextualizes beauty messages within religious and cultural frameworks by emphasizing values such as modesty, spirituality, and inner beauty, which strongly resonate with Indonesian Muslim women. In contrast, Dove focuses on global inclusivity through narratives of body and age diversity, but its secular orientation often limits cultural relevance in the Indonesian context. The study also identifies a gap between the inclusivity messages promoted by the brands and the audience’s interpretations. Some audiences accept the messages, while others resist or modify them according to their social and cultural values. Analysis of YouTube interactions—comments, likes, and shares demonstrates that audiences act as active meaning-makers rather than passive consumers. Through the processes of externalization, objectivation, and internalization, a new social reality of beauty emerges, redefining beauty as a synthesis of spirituality, diversity, and authenticity beyond mere physical appearance.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ettisal

Publisher

Subject

Description

Ettisal: Journal of Communication is an online, peer-reviewed, Communication Science journal dedicated to high-quality research in communication. While centered in communication studies, the journal welcomes work from any discipline that intersects with communication, including the social sciences, ...