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Fiction, fashion, and function finale: An introduction and conclusion to the special issue on gendered body image, Part III

Tylka, Tracy L., Calogero, Rachel M. (2011) Fiction, fashion, and function finale: An introduction and conclusion to the special issue on gendered body image, Part III. Sex Roles, 65 (7). pp. 447-460. ISSN 0360-0025. (doi:10.1007/s11199-011-0042-1) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:33434)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11199-011-0042-1

Abstract

Culture specifies standards for women's and men's body appearance and display. In Western cultures, these standards are both concentrated and ubiquitous in the media, represented as gendered body ideals for citizens to aspire toward. Because gendered body ideals are revered, individuals try to construct and portray their body consistently with these ideals. Furthermore, because gendered body ideals are narrowly defined and restrictive, individuals constrict their behavior, relationships, and perceptions of themselves and others to fall within the parameters of these ideals. The third and final issue of this series showcases innovative studies within two streams. The first stream investigates the many ways individuals invest effort into constructing and/or portraying their body to fit the gendered body ideal. The second stream addresses the diverse ways internalization of these ideals constrict individuals' relationships, freedoms, and perceptions of others' bodies and lifestyles. We discuss the empirical articles alongside points raised in films by Jhally (2009) and Clark (2009) that emphasize how media portrayals of gendered body ideals foster body-related constructions and constrictions in viewers. We emphasize intersectionality when presenting the articles, recognizing that gender combines with multiple identities (e. g., sexual orientation, race, political affiliation, and age) as well as individual difference variables to mold the degree to which individuals construct and constrict themselves and others to fit gendered body ideals. We end with a discussion of how these articles can be used to generate social change by deconstructing and delegitimizing gendered body ideals.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1007/s11199-011-0042-1
Uncontrolled keywords: Body image; Gendered body constrictions; Gendered body constructions; Gendered body ideals; Intersectionality; Prevention; Sexual orientation; Social change strategies; Treatment
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Psychology
Depositing User: Rachel Calogero
Date Deposited: 16 Mar 2013 21:25 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 10:10 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/33434 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Calogero, Rachel M..

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