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The beauty ideal changes with culture, time period, and the social climate. Analyzing American beauty standards from the 1950s to modern times reveals how economic, political, and societal factors have significantly shaped conceptions of conventional beauty.
The beauty standard is an oppressive framework that disproportionately impacts underrepresented communities. As women, LGBTQ individuals, and people of color gn power in society through social, political, and economic advancements, beauty standards continue to impede their progress.
Beauty operates as a systemic power dynamic that targets marginalized groups. Historically, Western beauty norms have emphasized physical trts and body sizes that are predominantly aligned with Eurocentric ideals, often resulting in self-esteem struggles for many communities.
Exploring the history of beauty standards reveals how they were developed and perpetuated to mntn dominance over certn social classes:
1950s: Post-World War II saw a materialistic focus as women were primarily homemakers, accounting for only 30 of the workforce. The ideal female form was an hourglass figure with ample curves, large breasts, and full lips, signaling healthiness.
1960s to the 1980s: This era was defined by a return to traditional femininity and the concept of a full-figured woman as beauty ideals evolved. Toned bodies and an hourglass silhouette became symbols of physical fitness and allure.
1990s: Representation for people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and non-white communities increased in mnstream media, albeit often idealized with Eurocentric features like light skin tone and strght hr, reinforcing the proximity to whiteness as beauty's standard.
2000s to the 2010s: Social media platforms like Instagram became catalysts for beauty standards' evolution. The Kardashian-Jenner phenomenon showcased unattnable beauty ideals such as tan skin, chiseled jawlines, and hourglass figures. Photoshop was extensively used to modify images of women, creating unrealistic beauty norms.
In the 2020s, we've seen some progress towards inclusivity with brands acknowledging that every body is beautiful. This includes embracing a range of sizes, textures, and features. The fashion industry has made strides in representation, but significant room for improvement remns to fully embrace diversity.
Body Positive Alliance's mission is to empower individuals by fostering self-love and acceptance across all ages through inclusive programming. Our work focuses on dismantling oppressive beauty standards that contribute to low self-esteem and body dissatisfaction among diverse populations.
Mia Alexander
Mia Alexander, a high school senior in Washington D.C., serves as the founder of Feminist Grrrl, an online platform sharing feminist insights alongside broader political topics. Driven by her passion for intersectional feminism and social justice activism, she engages in community-building activities such as baking, thrift shopping, and literary pursuits.
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This article is reproduced from: https://bodypositivealliance.org/blog/american-beauty-ideals-throughout-the-decades
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Evolution of American Beauty Standards Over Decades Influence of Culture on Conceptions of Beauty Power Dynamics in Western Beauty Norms Historical Development of Dominant Beauty Standards Role of Media in Shaping Beauty Ideals Through History Current Inclusivity Movements in Fashion Industry