Exploding the Beauty Myth

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses Naomi Wolf's book, "The Beauty Myth", explaining how the author elaborates on the many facets of life which are affected by the changing norms and values instituted by the male dominated institutions of society. The paper contends that the beauty myth has reinstituted the social controls lost when women's liberation movements took them out of the home and established them in the workplace.

From the Paper:

"One such modern neurosis is the eating disorder, an ever more common phenomenon in First World women. Wolf investigates this element thoroughly, giving justice to its far-reaching consequences- physical, emotional, and social. The increasing accessibility to various forms of media functions to expose men and women alike to a distorted perception of what is beautiful and what is "normal." The average model weights 23% less than the average female, which manifests subconscious insecurities, despite a general awareness of this advertising ploy. Those most visible in society, the model, dancer, or actress, are thinner than 95% of the female population, emphasizing the inadequacy most women feel, namely the 78% that are unhappy with their physical appearance."

More papers on Exploding the Beauty Myth:

• Analytical Essay # 89116 : "Naomi Wolf's "The Beauty Myth"
• Article Review # 117432 : "The Beauty Myth"
• Book Review # 96216 : "The Beauty Myth"

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