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In 1986, Wendy Chapkis published Beauty Secrets: Women and the Politics of Appearance, exploring beauty as it is interpreted through physical appearance, gender, and sexuality. Over thirty years later, many of the trends and problems Chapkis identified still exist or have gotten worse; we still live in a society that

In 1986, Wendy Chapkis published Beauty Secrets: Women and the Politics of Appearance, exploring beauty as it is interpreted through physical appearance, gender, and sexuality. Over thirty years later, many of the trends and problems Chapkis identified still exist or have gotten worse; we still live in a society that praises ideal physical beauty, and creates and reinforces unrealistic beauty standards. This research strives to determine why these problems still exist, and how to solve them. Through a combination of creative writing and analytic research, this project will discuss topics that have helped to create problems like cultural influences, gender norms, and the media, as well as discuss the consequences like mental health and eating disorders, and the unattainable ideal beauty standard. The purpose of this study is to bring new attention to the flaws of a society that teaches people they are defined by their appearance, in order to teach people what actions we need to take to make real progress. Research was conducted using an online survey to allow for anonymous, honest, responses, which were then analyzed to inspire sections of creative writing, as well as fuel the analytical research portions of the paper. In this way, the text mirrors Chapkis’ original style to connect and engage with readers. Research shows that many respondents know there are problems with society’s standards, but feel powerless to change anything. This study provides a platform to restart the conversation, and call people to action, to inspire people not to simply redefine beauty, but teach them that they should not define others or themselves by merely their physical appearance.
ContributorsFast, Elizabeth (Author) / Fontinha de Alcantara, Christiane (Thesis director) / Barca, Lisa (Committee member) / Hugh Downs School of Human Communication (Contributor) / Department of Marketing (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2019-05
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This paper focuses on the relationship between modern beauty ideals in today’s society and its catalyzation and/or effect on perpetuating eating disorders in young females. Further, this paper utilizes a primary case study to propose a more accurate and modernized approach to disordered eating – specifically anorexia-nervosa. A review of

This paper focuses on the relationship between modern beauty ideals in today’s society and its catalyzation and/or effect on perpetuating eating disorders in young females. Further, this paper utilizes a primary case study to propose a more accurate and modernized approach to disordered eating – specifically anorexia-nervosa. A review of the literature on modern beauty in the present day in association with eating disorders was conducted and further utilized in conjunction to conduct research on eating disorder symptomatology, the prevailing gaps surrounding disordered eating, a more renewed way towards recovery, and further recommended insights for external groups. Although much of the long-established research pertaining to eating disorder recovery stands at a general level to advocate traditional recovery methods, what still lacks is the increasing correlation between the vulgarity of modern beauty standards and its role in recovery. As evident through primary and secondary sources of literature, this paper attempts to address the growing gaps in scholarly research pertaining to the lack of recovery recourse and further delineates and analyzes a few research questions. With this being said, the case study in this paper arguably amplifies the strong reproach for a more relatable recovery discourse from an autobiographical point of view and advocates for additional research to be completed regarding diagnostic management. The findings of my research have resulted in a six-step recovery model for individuals struggling with disordered eating and will be further supported by documentary analysis.

ContributorsHeslin, AnnaMarie (Author) / Fontinha de Alcantara, Christiane (Thesis director) / Moxley-Kelly, Sean (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Dean, W.P. Carey School of Business (Contributor)
Created2022-05