We all have our own idea of beauty, but do we know why it’s often so different? From makeup to hair styles, to body shapes and sizes, beauty standards and preferences vary widely both around the world and within different cultures. Understanding the psychological impact that cultural influences have on beauty standards can be essential for developing healthy relationships with our own appearance. In this article, we’ll explore the way cultural influences shape our views of beauty and how they impact us psychologically.
1. Defining Cultural Beauty Standards
Cultural beauty standards are something that has been around for centuries. People have always had expectations of how an individual should look, in order to be considered beautiful. But what defines cultural beauty standards?
Firstly, these standards vary from culture to culture. Different countries have varying definitions of what makes someone physically attractive and appealing. For instance, some cultures prioritize facial features to determine beauty while others appreciate body shape, size and proportion. This could be the reason why plastic surgery is such a big industry in many parts of the world – because people are trying to replicate a certain ideal of beauty.
As well as physical traits, cultural beauty standards can also refer to the ways in which we present ourselves. For example, how a woman interacts with her peers and expresses herself through fashion, makeup, and hairstyle can be judged by society’s standards of beauty. Beauty can also be culturally defined through certain behaviors and characteristics, such as being friendly, kind, empathetic, and successful.
Today, cultural beauty standards are often challenged and criticized due to their potential for leading to feelings of inadequacy. With social media providing a platform to present an “ideal” beauty, people’s self-image can suffer due to comparison with an online version of physical beauty. However, it is worth noting that there are some cultures that promote beauty rather than criticize it, such as embracing the natural state of an individual’s body or taking pride in the physical traits that define a group of people.
2. Examining Psychological Impact of Beauty Standards
It’s no secret that beauty standards have a powerful hold over society and often lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, insecurity, and discontentment. But beyond extreme emotions, modern beauty standards are also impacting the way people think about themselves on a psychological level.
As unrealistic beauty expectations become normalized, individuals are increasingly measuring themselves up to impossible ideals. Not only does this lead to negative self-talk and a lowered sense of self-worth, but it also causes real physical and psychological repercussions.
Research shows that self-objectification–seeing oneself as an object–can cause a wide range of mental health issues. These include:
- A disconnect between what an individual thinks and how they feel.
- Heightened body shame.
- A lack of self-confidence and self-efficacy.
- Reduced sense of self-value and worth.
In addition, these exaggerated pressures to look “perfect” can have a major influence on decision-making. On one hand, adults can be influenced to make decisions based on external expectations, leading to an overall decrease in life satisfaction. On the other hand, decisions made to meet unrealistic ideals may cross boundaries, leading to unsafe behaviors or behaviours that have serious consequences.
It is clear that beauty standards have a deep psychological impact, affecting self-image, decision-making and life satisfaction. To reduce these effects, we must first have an honest conversation about what is normal and what is not, and take steps to know and support our true selves.
3. Exploring the Influence of Culture on Attitudes Toward Beauty
What is beauty and why do people strive to attain it? This thought-provoking question can be answered by exploring the role of culture in determining beauty standards. Through cultural influences, certain looks, features, and behaviors have become associated with attractiveness – and people worldwide are driven to adopt these ideals of beauty.
Comparing culture-specific standards of beauty can help us understand that beauty is subject to interpretation. Across societies, various physical features have been celebrated, from light skin to blue eyes to curvature or a sharp jawline. For example, within the Eastern Asian culture, beauty is commonly viewed as “demure” and gentle, so a small face, petite body, and a gentle demeanor is often favored.
Though bodily attractiveness is known to be significant, we shouldn’t forget the impact of inner beauty on perceptions of attractiveness. In some cultures, being kind, wise, and generous is highly esteemed behavior and thus seen as beauty. Additionally, the way people dress can have an impact on perceptions of beauty. Some countries have strict etiquette for attire, and in other countries, being well-dressed is deemed a mark of beauty.
These variations illustrate that beauty is open to interpretation and definitions differ largely by culture. Diversity in beauty standards is to be celebrated, as it reinforces the idea that beauty is subjective and individual standards should be respected.
4. Crafting a Path Toward Positive Self-Esteem
Self-esteem can be difficult to increase and maintain. But learning to create and utilize positive coping mechanisms is an important and powerful tool in the journey toward self-love. Here are a few tips to consider on your own path.
- Start with small successes. Acknowledge the times you do something positive. This can help to build self-esteem by gradually increasing your belief in yourself.
- Prioritize daily self-care. Make sure you carve out time for yourself. For example, focus on rest, nutrition, physical activity, hobbies, and learning.
- Create positive affirmations. These are like mantras to counter negative thoughts. Make sure they are realistic messages about your values.
You can also use self-talk for your wellbeing. Especially if you experience critical judgement frequently. Rather than indulging in harsh inner criticism, rephrase and redirect the messages to be constructive and kind. Try to recognize your strengths and be aware of accomplishments.
It can be beneficial to focus on gratitude. Count your blessings and identify the things that you’re thankful for. It can create a sense of satisfaction to list the positives in your life. Additionally, switching your perspective to more compassion can help increase self-esteem.
For far too long, societies have placed a premium on beauty standards that don’t necessarily reflect the full gamut of human experience. As we develop a greater understanding of the psychological impacts of cultural influences on beauty standards, we can work towards our collectively breaking down these outdated ideals and embracing a more comprehensive understanding of beauty.
