We have long talked about the effect of societal standards on setting certain body images and looks as “ideal”. Perceptions regarding beauty and body types vary by culture and have changed over time. Cultures have often set standards according to waist size, height, skin color and texture, hip size, etc.
The Beauty and Fashion Industries
The fashion industry, of course, plays a large role in shaping beauty standards in regard to face, hair, and body types. Cosmetic lines often choose their models very carefully, going for women with specific nose shapes and sizes, fair skin, etc. That sets a specific standard as to how women need to “look”. Lingerie lines and clothing brands also go for models with very specific body types, even when it comes to height. As a result, girls all over the globe have often seen those models as “perfect”, wishing to look like them.
The problem with such a case is that we are often left in the dark when it comes to photoshopped pictures that are enhanced in far too many different ways. These advertisements, fashion shows, and more have led to establishment of impossible standards of beauty, leaving many girls growing up with these expectations.
Negative Consequences
Many studies have been conducted regarding the effects of the media and beauty industries on women today. Far too many results have indicated negative self-esteem, negative self-image, negative body and beauty perceptions, anxiety, and more.
The fashion industry lacks the body diversity needed, when it comes to both men and women. Even more so, such an issue is found with race. Again, such lack of diversity has continued to fuel body shaming and high and impossible beauty standards of appearance in many young girls and boys growing up.
Unfortunately, these impossible beauty standards have led to dire mental health consequences, including psychological distress and the development of unhealthy behaviors. Depression, anxiety, and eating disorders can arise as a result. Furthermore, unhealthy behaviors such as strict and unhealthy diets may also begin to occur.
While the beauty industry has slowly begun to include more diversity within its lines, it still has a very long way to go in solving that issue. Until then, the industry continues to fuel very unhealthy standards of beauty.