Media Effects and Body Image

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how images presented in the media provide unrealistic expectations of women. The paper further discusses how young women continue to rely on the media for advice and direction regarding their own sense of self-worth and beauty.

Outline:
Introduction
Thesis
Feminist Theory
Theme History
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Part of the media's power lies in its ability to influence self-perceptions of physical attractiveness particularly among women. Women are consistently bombarded with images considered "beautiful" by media standards. This may include images that in real life may be underweight or malnourished. What many women fail to consider when reviewing images portrayed by the media is that most of the women presented have been plucked, puckered, air brushed and more to appear more "perfect." On reviewing these women in real life many women would find they actually look no different than many of the women presented on television, except perhaps they may be at a healthier weight.
Women's attitudes toward their body and self-esteem are also influenced by their culture. The more value their culture has on meeting the standards established by the media, the more likely a young women is to succumb to false images of what is or is not considered beautiful in the eyes of the media."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Baker, D., Sivyer, R. & Towell, T. (1998). "Body image dissatisfaction and eating attitudes in visually impaired women." International Journal of Eating Disorders, 24(3): 319-322.
• Botta, R.A. (2000). "The mirror of television: A comparison of black and white adolescents' body image." Journal of Communication, 50(3): 144.
• Bordo, S. (1993). Unbearable weight: Feminism, Western culture and the body. Berkeley: University of California Press.
• Conboy, K., Medina, N. & Stanbury, S. (1997). Writing on the body: Female embodiment and feminist theory. New York: Columbia University Press.
• Harris, S.M. (1995). "Body image and attitudes and the psychosocial development of college women." Journal of Psychology, 129(3): 315

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