Rutgers University

Brands historically have stayed on the sidelines when it comes to hot-button social and political issues. But nowadays, American consumers often expect – and even demand – that companies form an opinion on issues they’re close to. Namely, consumers expect brands to stand up for women’s rights, especially following the recent Roe v. Wade overturn.

When Facebook, Google or Instagram approve of an engagement-boosting tactic, they usually describe it with positive words, such as “organic” or “authentic.” Tactics they forbid, however – generally unilaterally and sometimes without warning – are characterized as “unnatural” and whoever uses them is a “schemer” or an “offender.” Most news articles covering these guideline changes unquestioningly adopt […]