MAGAZINE CRITIQUE
INSTRUCTIONS
Select the last three editions of a contemporary popular magazine. Critique the
magazines based on Eitzen and Zinn’s conceptualizations of family myths. You may
select from the list of publications listed below or choose other publications of interest to
you and/or the students you teach.
Better Homes and Garden Oprah
Ebony Parent Magazine
Essence People En Espanol
Exceptional Parent Real Simple
Family Circle Redbook
Hispanic Living Ser Padres
McCall Sports Illustrated

1. Identify the magazine you will critique.
 Specify the volume number(s) and dates of the publications used
in your critique.
 Provide a brief overview of the publication, including its history
and current editorial/staff structure.
2. Utilizing Zinn & Eitzen’s conceptualization, critique the magazine’s
presentation of family. Address the following questions:
 What overarching message on family life is communicated in the
magazine?
 How has the magazine represented the diversity among American
families structure, social class, family functioning, etc.?
 How has the magazine represented families of children with
disabilities?
3. Write a brief letter to the editorial staff of the magazine commenting
on the publication in general, and your reflections on its relevance for
families today.
4. Create a graphic representation of the images/myths presented in the
magazine.