Essay Plan

Essay Plan of Action

Question - To what extent do the pressures of a Western Society influence women to modify their appearance?

Introduction

This essay aims to question the idea of expectations within Western society and the psychological effect of this presence, particularly on women, to modify their own appearance.

1. The Patriarchal views of society pressurise women to be aesthetically beautiful.

• Gender roles – women seen as inferior.
• Ways of Seeing – John Berger, Men – Power, Women – Aesthetics.
• Male gaze – Laura Mulvey, Film & TV, Porn – Caitlin Moran.
• Terminology used in advertising etc.
• Putting on a persona – make up.

2. The 'perfect body' does not exist, therefore trying to obtain this is impossible and unrealistic. People are constantly striving for something that is simply unattainable.

• Vicious cycle.
• Reshaping the female body, the dilemma of cosmetic surgery – Kathy Davis.
• Maslow's hierarchy of needs.
• Consumerism and portrayals of women in advertising.
• Public face – the norms within society. What is acceptable?

3. Celebrity Idols and role models encourage women to put on a persona, on-line presence – promotes a fake idea of reality through filtering content of a person's life. Edited versions of themselves – what is real?

• Social media generation – obsession.
• Advertising – Photoshopping models.
• Representing women, myths of femininity in popular media – Myra MacDonald.
• Celebrity influence on normal people.
• On-line persona – personal identity.
• Models & Fashion Illustration – size.

4. Modification of a woman's appearance can be a demonstration of female expression, artistry and empowerment. Not in face a persona, but an extension of personality.

• How to be a Woman – Caitlin Moran.
• Campaigns, e.g. HeForShe – Feminism.
• Definitions – appearance shouldn't define a person.
• Solution – Social fluidity of appearance, make up, fashion, etc.
• Equality of the sexes.
• Choice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there is evidently a magnitude of social factors that filter in to our society and therefore a woman's subconscious which may cause her to think about her appearance in a negative way. The problem has filtered down from the Media; magazines, film and TV, products and advertising agencies themselves. Although they have certainly encouraged particular ideologies of people needing a product to look beautiful/young, the real issue is with the result of having acceptable 'norms' within society and putting people, who are complex beings, in boxes. Therefore, the solution would be not to discourage women from changing/enhancing their appearance but to make it acceptable for the whole of society (men included) to decide on their own modification of their appearance freely, without judgement.