Year: 2000
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Females are exposed to conflicting and confusing messages that they should be thin but strong, firm but shapely, fit but sexy. Although they are exposed to images of powerful women, such as scholars and athletes, they cannot escape images of fashion models whose idealized body shape can rarely be matched by other women. Girls and women strive to mold their bodies in these idealized shapes by depriving themselves of nourishment necessary for good health. Despite highly publicized advertisements and health culture campaigns that emphasize the benefits of healthy bodies, there are cultural messages that promote the beauty myth. The beauty myth promotes, among other phenomena, the idea that female bodies can be whatever women want them to be.
Author: Estelle M. Smith
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Gender equality
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W604450072