Submitted to: Ma’am Ayesha Mughees

Submitted by: Mahjabeen Sarwar

L1F23BSAF0038

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL PUNJAB

FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT SCIENCES
YEAR 2023
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ………………………………….……………………………............……......….......……….…………..3

HISTORY/BACKGROUND……………………………………….…………..…………………...………..….......….……….3

Contemporary Influences …………………………………............................................….....…….…………4-5

TYPES……………………………………………………………………………...................................…..………………5-6

EXAMPLE………………………………………………………….....………………………….…........................………....6

FUNCTIONS…………………………………………………….…………………………....................…....…………………7

SOCIAL PERSPECTIVE ............................….....……………………………………………..……...……...…….......7

I. Structural functionalism .................................................................................................7

II. Conflict theory.................................................................................................................7
III. Symbolic interaction........................................................................................................8
IV. Feminism.........................................................................................................................8

CONCLUSION………………………………..............................…………………....…....……………….………………8
 BODY IMAGE & UNREALISTIC BEAUTY STANDARDS

Introduction:
In today's world, we often see images of people who seem to
have "perfect" bodies, whether on social media, in magazines,
or on TV. These images can make us feel like we should look a
certain way to be considered attractive or acceptable. This is
what we call "body image" – how we see and feel about our
own bodies. So body image is basically a person’s perception of
their physical appearance.
On the other hand beauty standards refer to socially constructed ideals that dictate what is
considered attractive or aesthetically pleasing in terms of physical appearance. Unrealistic
beauty standards emerge when the criteria for attractiveness become exaggerated or
unattainable for the majority of individuals. Fuelled by media representations, cultural norms,
and societal expectations, these social constructs play a significant role in defining ideals of
attractiveness and in turn have a profound impact on self-esteem and interpersonal
relationships of an individual’s life.

Background:
The concept of body image and unrealistic beauty standards has deep roots in human history
but has evolved significantly over time. Historically, different cultures held diverse views on
what was considered attractive, often influenced by local customs, traditions, and societal
values. From ancient civilizations associating body types with cultural significance to the
fluctuating ideals of the Renaissance, the 1920s flapper era, and the post-World War II return to
curvaceous figures, beauty standards have undergone continuous transformations
In ancient Egypt, for example, a slim physique and symmetrical features were highly valued,
while in Renaissance Europe, voluptuousness was associated with wealth and fertility. The late
20th century witnessed the rise of supermodels and media manipulation, setting the stage for
contemporary beauty ideals. In the digital age, social media and globalization have further
amplified and disseminated specific standards worldwide. Today's beauty standards are largely
shaped by digital media platforms, where flawless skin and perfectly proportioned bodies
dominate. The economic interests of the beauty industry largely contribute to maintaining these
ideals.
Contemporary Influences:

 Social Media portrayals: Platforms like Instagram and TikTok often showcase curated
images that highlight beauty ideals. Filters, editing tools, and influencers sustain an
idealized version of beauty, creating unrealistic expectations for individuals.

 Advertising Industry: Advertisements frequently feature models with flawless

appearances, promoting products with the underlying message that using these
products will lead to similar outcomes. This can contribute to the belief that certain
physical attributes are necessary for beauty.

 Celebrity Culture: The constant scrutiny of celebrities’ bodies in the media can
influence public perceptions of beauty. Unrealistic body standards set by celebrities
may lead individuals to feel inadequate or pressured to conform to these ideals.

 Fashion Industry Norms: The fashion industry often promotes specific body types
and sizes, excluding diversity. This can influence individuals to pursue extreme
measures to fit these standards, impacting both physical and mental well-being.

 Digital Manipulation: Advances in technology allow for extensive photo editing,

creating images that are far from reality. Exposure to these digitally altered images
can distort perceptions of what is attainable or normal in terms of appearance.
  Peer Influence: Social circles, both
online and offline, can exert pressure
on individuals to conform to certain
beauty standards. Comparison with
peers can lead to feelings of inadequacy
or a desire to alter one’s appearance.

 Fitness and Wellness Trends:

While promoting a healthy lifestyle is
positive, certain fitness trends may
emphasize extreme body
transformations. This can contribute to
the notion that a particular body shape
is the epitome of health and
attractiveness.

Addressing these influences involves fostering a

culture that celebrates diversity, promoting realistic portrayals of beauty, and encouraging
positive body image.

TYPES OF BODY IMAGE & BEAUTY STANDARDS

Within this complex landscape, a subtle understanding of various typologies is essential:
1. Positive Body Image: This type is characterized by self-acceptance and appreciation,
fostering a positive impact on individuals’ mental well-being. It encourages a
comprehensive view of oneself, emphasizing strengths and overall wellness.

2. Negative Body Image: In contrast, negative body image involves dissatisfaction and
self-criticism, often intensified by societal beauty standards and the widespread
influence of media representations. This type can lead to mental health issues, including
anxiety and depression.

3. Media-Influenced Standards: Propagated through mass media channels, these

standards shape perceptions of attractiveness and contribute to the dissemination of
often unrealistic beauty ideals. The influence of digitally altered images perpetuates
unattainable standards.
 4. Fashion-Driven Standards: Influenced by trends in the fashion industry, these
standards dictate ‘ideal’ body shapes based on prevailing clothing trends. Fashion
becomes a powerful judge of beauty, influencing societal perceptions.

5. Body Size and Shape Standards: These standards dictate societal preferences
regarding the ‘ideal’ body size and shape, influencing behaviours related to dieting and
exercise. The societal emphasis on certain body types contributes to the prevalence of
body image dissatisfaction.

Examples of Specific Standards

1. Thin Ideal: This standard emphasizes an exceedingly slim physique, often propagated by
media representations. It contributes to body dissatisfaction, disordered eating, and
unhealthy weight management practices, particularly among women.

2. Muscular Ideal: The pressure on men to attain a highly muscular and lean physique is
the focus of this standard. Media portrayals of hyper-masculinity can lead to body
dissatisfaction, excessive exercise, and the use of performance-enhancing substances.

3. Age-Related Standards: Unrealistic expectations related to maintaining a youthful

appearance contribute to age-related beauty standards. This can result in insecurities,
self-esteem issues, and the rise of anti-aging industries.
 4. Skin Tone and Features: Beauty standards extend to skin tone, specific facial features,
and hair characteristics. Preferences for lighter or darker skin, particular eye shapes, and
specific hair textures can impact self-perception and contribute to discrimination.

5. Hair Texture and Colour: Standards related to hair involve expectations regarding
texture, length, and colour. Societal trends and cultural norms dictate what is considered
‘ideal,’ influencing self-concept and potentially leading to discrimination.

Functions:
Beyond individual experiences, body image and beauty standards play pivotal roles in societal
dynamics:
 Establishing Social Cohesion: Beauty standards create common ground, fostering a
sense of belonging among those who comply. This shared understanding reinforces
social cohesion, contributing to a stable community with shared values.
 Identity Formation: Beauty standards significantly shape individual identities,
influencing self-perception. Adhering to or challenging these standards becomes
integral to self-identity, contributing to the complex formation of individual identities
within the societal context.
 Status Differentiation: Adherence to or deviation from beauty standards serves as a
visible marker of social status. Those conforming closely may be perceived with
higher social status, while deviation can lead to social stratification and the creation
of hierarchies, influencing individuals’ positions in various social spheres.
These societal dynamics illustrate that beauty standards are powerful forces shaping collective
experiences and structures. They influence how people relate, form identities, and navigate
social hierarchies, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive societal framework that
acknowledges the diverse nature of beauty and identity.

Sociological Perspectives
1. Structural Functionalism: Viewed through a structural functionalist lens, body image
and beauty standards contribute to social stability by providing a shared framework for
understanding roles in society. These standards play a role in maintaining social
cohesion, fostering a sense of belonging and order. However, if the emphasis on beauty
becomes excessively rigid, it can lead to dysfunction. This overemphasis has the
potential to disrupt social harmony, negatively impacting individuals' mental well-being
and potentially resulting in social inequality and exclusion.
 2. Conflict Theory: From a conflict theory perspective, beauty standards are seen as
perpetuating societal inequalities through power dynamics. This viewpoint emphasizes
that certain influential groups dictate beauty ideals to maintain control and privilege,
reinforcing existing hierarchies. The result is discrimination against individuals who do
not abide by these standards, contributing to social inequalities and reinforcing
stereotypes based on appearance

3. Symbolic Interaction: Viewed through a symbolic interactionist lens, body image and
beauty standards are regarded as socially constructed symbols shaped through
interactions and societal messages. They’re shaped by personal experiences and
interactions with others. This perspective highlights how individuals, through their own
experiences and interactions, form ideas about how they look. The constant exchange of
these ideas, including what society sees as beautiful, really influences how people see
themselves and act.

4. Feminism: Feminist perspectives bring a gendered lens to the discussion, critiquing how
beauty standards disproportionately affect women. Feminism challenges traditional
gender roles reinforced by concepts like the “Thin Ideal” and advocates for breaking free
from objectification and commodification. It aligns with body positivity movements,
promoting acceptance and empowerment for diverse representations of beauty.

Conclusion
Body image and beauty standards are complex constructs deeply intertwined with social,
cultural, and psychological factors. They have significant effects on individuals’ self-perception
and interactions. While some level of beauty standards is inevitable in society, it’s essential to
promote healthy, diverse, and inclusive standards that allow individuals to embrace their unique
identities and reduce the negative impact of unrealistic beauty ideals on self-esteem and mental
health. In conclusion, recognizing the impact of societal beauty standards on our body image is
the first step toward fostering a healthier relationship with ourselves. Embracing diversity and
understanding that there's no one-size-fits-all definition of beauty allows us to appreciate our
uniqueness. By challenging unrealistic beauty ideals, we empower ourselves and others to
prioritize self-love and acceptance over conformity. In doing so, we contribute to a more
inclusive and positive narrative surrounding body image and redefine what it truly means to be
beautiful.