Beauty Standards And Cultural Influences

2024-05-11T18:09:02+00:00

By Veronica

Beauty standards and ideals vary across different cultures and are influenced by a multitude of factors, including historical, social, and cultural contexts. The concept of beauty is far from universal. While we may all be drawn to aesthetics, what we find attractive is deeply shaped by the cultures we inhabit. In Africa, beauty standards are greatly influenced by numerous cultural and social beliefs.This article explores the fascinating interplay between beauty standards and cultural influences, examining how different cultures define and celebrate beauty in diverse ways. Cultures establish beauty ideals through various factors. Religion can play a significant role. In some cultures, symmetrical features are seen as reflecting divine perfection. Skin tone and body type can also be influenced by religious beliefs. For instance, some cultures, such as Asia, may value lighter skin due to associations with purity or wealth.

Cultural Influences on Beauty Standards

1. Historical Significance: Beauty standards are often influenced by historical perceptions of beauty within a culture. For example, in some cultures, such as the African culture, fuller figures, darker skin, and unique body art were historically considered attractive. In America, a slender frame and youthfulness are preferred. Europeans, on the other hand, believe that having flawless skin is attractive. Brazil considers women with tanned skin, long shiny hair, and curvy bodies as attractive. Lastly, we have the Asians who believe that being light-skinned is ideal and standard.2. Media and Entertainment: The portrayal of beauty in media, including television, films, and magazines, significantly impacts cultural beauty standards. For instance, in Western societies, there is a prevalent emphasis on youthfulness and slimness, perpetuated by media representations as compared to other societies.

3. Traditional Practices: Traditional practices and rituals within a culture can also shape beauty standards. For example, body modifications, such as scarification or elongated necks, have been historically associated with beauty in certain cultures.However, the negative influence of the Westerns has affected some of these indigenous traditional beliefs and has led to the globalization of beauty standards. This globalization is largely attributed to the following:1. Western Influence: Globalization has led to the spread of Western beauty ideals, impacting beauty standards in diverse cultures. This has resulted in a homogenization of beauty standards in some parts of the world. In turn, there is a change in the perception of indigenous beauty standards.2. Social media: The rise and influence of social media has further amplified the influence of certain standards, as trends and influencers from one culture can rapidly permeate and influence beauty perceptions in others, and this has a negative impact on individuals. Effects include:a) Self-Esteem and Body Image: Cultural beauty standards can significantly impact individuals’ self-esteem and body image, leading to issues such as body dissatisfaction and low self-confidence, especially when an individual’s appearance deviates from the Western accepted norms. This is very common in our African society, and we see social media influencers looking down on indigenous beauty standards and promoting ‘more acceptable standards.’b) Mental Health: Sometimes, some of these unrealistic beauty standards can contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, as individuals strive to conform to these ideals and look socially presentable.

Conclusion

Beauty standards are deeply rooted in cultural influences and continue to evolve over time. Understanding the impact of these standards on individuals is crucial in promoting body positivity and inclusivity across diverse cultures.