Sintaks: Jurnal Bahasa dan Sastra Indonesia
Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026)

The Myth of the Modern Woman: A Semiotic Analysis of Linguistic Anchorage in Post-Feminist Cosmetic Advertisements

Yoga Mestika Putra (Universitas Jambi)
Ulil Amri (Universitas Jambi)
Siti Fitriah (Universitas Jambi)
Aprilia Kartika Putri (Universitas Jambi)
Anggi Triandana (Universitas Jambi)



Article Info

Publish Date
14 Apr 2026

Abstract

This study investigates how linguistic anchorage constructs post-feminist identities in cosmetic advertising by examining advertisements from three prominent cosmetic brands selected for their extensive market influence, strong digital visibility, and consistent representation of contemporary feminine ideals. Employing a qualitative semiotic approach grounded in Barthes’ theory of anchorage and post-feminist perspectives, the study analyzes verbal and visual elements embedded in selected advertisements from these brands. Data were collected through documentation techniques and examined using descriptive-interpretative analysis to identify the interaction between linguistic messages and visual signs in shaping meanings of femininity, empowerment, and self-representation. The findings reveal that linguistic anchorage strategically directs audience interpretation toward particular post-feminist discourses that emphasize individual agency, self-confidence, autonomy, and beauty as forms of empowerment while simultaneously reinforcing consumerist ideals. The study further demonstrates that advertising narratives negotiate traditional and contemporary gender expectations through carefully constructed verbal cues. These findings contribute to semiotic and post-feminist advertising scholarship by extending the application of linguistic anchorage to the analysis of contemporary beauty advertisements and by providing a deeper understanding of how commercial discourses participate in the construction of post-feminist subjectivities.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

SIN

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

Sintaks: Jurnal Bahasa dan Sastra Indonesia is a peer-reviewed journal by Medan Resource Center. This journal accepts articles related to the Indonesian language; literature; language education; Classroom Action Research; literature review; learning material and media development; and learning ...