Women’s body image begins in the Elizabethan Era in the early 1500’s, where they had to wear dress that were bell shaped. Timetoast.com states womens clothes clothing was “It was like a bell: a huge lower half, small waist and flat chest. Also, they wore an armour-like corsets to flatten the chest for a breastless look. Added volume to the skirts” This illustrates that there was a difference between the way women were portrayed in the past to today modern society.
The way in which society views beauty has changed as time changes. Today we see ads, commercials, and TV shows with super thin girls. However, from the 1930’s to the 1950’s women were encouraged to have glamorous curves. “A busty, voluptuous hourglass look was prized…” Women who fit the description of the hourglass body were worshipped. Models were also encouraged to have this body type and were glorified by younger girls. Along with this “perfect” body, the media motivated women to use beauty products and to always look their best. According to rehab.com, “...women were expected to take full advantage of beauty products and never leave the home without looking their best. Along with a well-composed overall appearance, flawless skin was now expected as well.” Nevertheless, women had to live up to a certain standard in order to be accepted in society. The perception of body image changed throughout many years. For example the article Women’s Body Image and BMI” states, “With the rise of mass media throughout the 20th century, the popular image of women in America has undergone a substantial change. From Marilyn Monroe to Kate Moss, the body shapes of the most admired models have remained consistently slimmer than that of the average American woman, representing a nearly impossible ideal.” This shows that as the popularity of the mass media increased, the influence it had on the viewers also increased. |
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