GENDERED PERSPECTIVE OF BEAUTY AND BODY IMAGE

Abstract

The study investigates gender perception and the definition of beauty and body image. Specifically, it examines gender differences in the conceptualization of beauty and body by cataloging its influence, preference, concerns, and if beauty acts as a means to achieve a specific end. The sample included unmarried late adolescents (age 18-24) and early adults (age 24-34) from Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Purposive sampling is applied, and in-depth semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation assisted data collection. The respondents are 17 males and 17 females, of which seven were gym-goers. Social comparison and objectification theory are utilized, and thematic analysis is used as a qualitative paradigm. The findings suggest that the journey of beauty and body can be described as a progression. It moves from outward beauty to inner beauty. Regarding the evaluation of attractiveness, generally, upward comparisons are made by men while describing a woman’s beauty. Women indulge in both types of comparisons, i.e., upward, and downward, as well as appearance-related comparisons concerning body fat and fitness with peers and family members. The objectification of men’s bodies is not much exercised, unlike that of women, because patriarchal society is identified as a general justification. The factor of religion plays its influential role in hindering women's objectification explicitly, but covertly and subliminally, it exists. Women’s beauty and men’s financial status played their part in determining the attractiveness of individuals. The result of my study shows that the attitude of gym-goers towards their bodies was more indulging as compared to the general society. My research has some limitations, and future inquiries can involve the early adolescence and late adulthood phase of life. The sample size, age, and status of those who went to the gym as well as the general population could be increased. The effects of pregnancy can be studied on the female body. It can consider their attitude and those of people around them towards it. Comprehension of rural people can also enormously contribute to the meaning of beauty and body image in that setting. Lastly, consideration of class, ethnicity, and socioeconomic backgrounds could be considered while studying these concepts. Regardless of theorizing, analyzing, and contextualizing the underlying meaning of beauty and body in contemporary culture, we humans are no less IV enthralled by its display. Even if we disavow, beauty is ultimately used to valorize its discursive power to define the good, desirable, moral, and what is beautiful is good. As much as we may find solace in the well-worn adages that never judge a book by its cover and beauty is in the eye of the beholder, our daily experience in the social world, and even our responses to the body beautiful, tells us that reality is usually quite the opposite. We are all beholders, and we are all looking far beyond the surface of the skin. Keywords: beauty, body image, gender, objectification, social comparison, youth