Debra Gimlin's Perception Of Women And Body Image

The body is the source from which all social aspects flow, the sociological study starting point. Our bodies serve as the medium of our cultural orientation. Distinguishing our age, sexual orientation, social class, and ethnicity. Our demeanor and body language construct the way we present ourselves to the social world. Our bodies conceptualize the Western ideals according to our gender such as strength, weakness, maternal, and paternal, masculine, feminine, etc. Although the body exhibits the gender identification of both males and females, there is a very present pressure in modern society for women to meet certain ideals and standards of beauty. Women devote a significant amount of time compared to the average man physically, psychologically,

“Over the last few decades the expectations of women’s height and weight have diverged from realistic standards like such in the 1950’s-1990’s with the average woman only weighing eight-percent less than fashion model standards. In 1990, that percentage had grown to twenty-three percent.” (Body Work) I feel that there are two plausible assumptions that can be drawn from these non-conforming upcoming generations of women. Commonly referred to as feminists, women began empowering one another to not accept the societal norms intact surrounding women’s rights. This kickstarted the first and second wave of women activists. Debra Gimlin draws this concept that body image is not only shaped by individual experience, but also by the cultural meanings attached to embodiment. That is why not all cultures share the same ideals of beauty and Western standards. Particularly, women in Africa do not celebrate being skinny. Body weight to these women is associated with fertility and a sign of wealth when a woman is overweight. Many women conform to the institutions in which they reside in and identify with. This could consist of society, sexual orientation, community, and religious

Their mission is to “eliminate discrimination based on body size and provide fat people with the tools for self-empowerment though public education, advocacy, and support.” Their vision is to empower a “society in which people of every size are accepted with dignity and equality in all aspects of life.” (naafaonline) The author immersed herself within the program to fully understand it. NAAFA also sponsors social events like dances, parties, and dinners to put NAAFA members in contact with each other. What she had concluded was that unlike the studies she had previously done, members of this organization utilize it to construct a normative and healthy identity by renegotiating one’s body with