Final answer:
Ruth Markward Knox is recognized in the advertising field for her feminist-based graphic designs that challenged stereotypical female portrayals, an effort paralleled by initiatives from Ms. Magazine and its founders, which significantly impacted the landscape of media representation of women.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ruth Markward Knox is considered a prominent figure in the advertising field due to her innovative approach, which utilized graphic design with a political bent. As a feminist, Knox created images that confronted theories around the Gaze and women's societal positions, influencing how women were represented in media and advertisements. Knox's work correlates with the values of Ms. Magazine, co-founded by Gloria Steinem and Dorothy Pittman-Hughes, which prioritized women's rights and empowerment over household beauty rhetoric, showcased powerful women, and tackled issues such as domestic violence, sexual harassment, and body image, thus framing a progressive narrative for women in media.
Furthermore, feminist perspective theorists have long criticized the advertising industry's role in perpetuating stereotypes by presenting a very narrow and idealized image of women, often leading to negative societal attitudes toward women. This critical perspective was notably addressed in Ms. Magazine's groundbreaking policy to publish without commercial advertising from as early as 1990, challenging the status quo of the advertising industry.
Through these actions and her association with prominent figures and publications advocating for gender equality, Knox's influence has been critical in shaping a more diverse and egalitarian representation of women in advertising.