Fashion’s impact on body image is complex, as it defines appearance ideals that can lead to feelings of inadequacy. Fashion varies globally, but the projection of slimness as ideal in Western societies can cause low self-esteem and eating disorders.
The impact of fashion on body image is a slightly complicated matter, made so by several factors. Fashion plays an important role in society because it has come to define people in many ways, but unfortunately it has negative consequences on the perception of body image. It is this fashion influence that gives him the leeway to influence the body image of members of society. The primary impact of fashion on body image is that it projects a sense of what is ideal in terms of appearance, causing some people who do not look similar to feel feelings of inadequacy.
Fashion in any society is simply what is generally promoted and accepted as the best way to dress and look. It includes factors like the right accessories, the best places to go, and even acceptable mannerisms. From a global perspective, fashion cannot be said to be universal because what is fashionable in one society is not necessarily true in another. However, the impact of fashion on body image is a global issue that transcends international boundaries.
For example, in Western societies, the fashion industry is constantly projecting the image of slim, beautiful people who have been airbrushed to perfection as the ideal way to look. People see these images everywhere: magazines, TV commercials, billboards and runways. The often received message from people who are constantly bombarded with such messages is that this is the right way to look.
The reverse may be the same in some cultures. For example, in some African cultures, plump women are considered more desirable and fashionable than thin women. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy from women who are naturally inclined to be thin. In some Asian cultures where small, delicate feet are considered fashionable and attractive, those who lack such characteristics may also experience feelings of inadequacy. Feelings of inadequacy often result in low self-esteem and bouts of depression.
The thing is, many members of society don’t look “ideal,” so many people take steps to try and achieve something similar to the way models look. One impact of fashion on body image is that people may resort to drastic surgery to “fix” features they consider to be below the accepted standard. Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia are often the result of those suffering from the condition’s dissatisfaction with their appearance and an attempt to conform to the accepted fashionable standard of appearance.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
