Body Positivity is for Women (Insights Explained)

From a young age, women are bombarded with images and messages promoting an unattainable beauty standard, leading to a never-ending journey of self-critique.

This constant pressure for perfection is key to developing the body positivity movement.

Thus, the spotlight on women in the body positivity movement likely stems from the overwhelming societal pressures we face regarding our appearance. We’re often held to unattainable beauty standards, made to feel inadequate if we don’t fit a specific mold. Thus, it makes sense that the movement has strongly focused on empowering women to embrace unique bodies and celebrate self-worth.

Let’s dive deeper into this important topic and uncover what this means for all.

Why the Focus on Women in Body Positivity

Gender and Body Image Expectations

As a woman, I’ve noticed that body image expectations are deeply ingrained in our society. Women are more likely to experience body dissatisfaction due to unrealistic beauty standards.

Women have been subjected to societal standards of appearance that dictate their worth for centuries.

These trends have come and gone from corsets to the elusive thigh gap, but one thing remains constant: the pressure to fit a specific mold.

While this issue doesn’t exclusively affect women, it’s apparent that they bear the brunt of these expectations.

Men, too, face their challenges, but mainstream media focuses heavily on the female body. This disparity has made the body positivity movement mostly centered around women.

Beauty Standards and the Media

If you look at advertising and magazines, you’ll notice that the portrayal of women is heavily linked to appearance.

The media consistently bombards us with images of thin, photoshopped models. This constant inundation has left many women feeling inadequate and striving for an unattainable ideal.

The unrealistic beauty standards reinforced by the media contribute to our society’s obsession with appearance.

Women who don’t fit this mold are often marginalized and even discriminated against. It’s no wonder body positivity has become such an important movement for women.

Eating Disorder Prevalence in Women

Eating disorders are a serious issue that primarily affects women. Studies have shown that women are twice as likely as men to develop an eating disorder.

The focus on appearance and societal pressure to fit beauty standards plays a significant role in this disparity.

The body positivity movement aims to support those who have struggled or are currently struggling with eating disorders.

By celebrating all body types and promoting self-love, the movement encourages women to be kinder to themselves and combat the internalized negative beliefs society may have instilled in them.

Influence of Social Media

I’ve seen firsthand how influential social media can be. While it has the power to connect people and promote positivity, it can also become a breeding ground for discrimination and self-doubt.

The constant comparison game can harm one’s self-esteem, especially for women who may be subjected to body-shaming or unkind comments.

It’s essential for us to use social media responsibly and recognize the importance of body positivity.

By shifting our focus from appearance and embracing body positivity, we can encourage a more inclusive, accepting environment for all.

Evolution of Body Standards for Women Over Decades

Decade	Ideal Body Type for Women
1920s	The “flapper” look was in vogue: flat-chested, slim hips, and short hair. The aim was a more androgynous look.
1950s	The “hourglass” figure became ideal: large busts, small waists, and full hips, often popularized by stars like Marilyn Monroe.
1960s	The “Twiggy” look became popular: very thin and petite, with minimal curves. This was a significant departure from the 1950s ideal.
1980s	Fitness and athleticism surged in popularity, with a toned and slim but curvaceous body being the ideal.
1990s	The “waif” look, epitomized by models like Kate Moss, was in extremely thin, almost androgynous bodies.
2000s	A thin, toned body with certain enhanced features (like the buttocks or bust) became popular, often attributed to the rise of cosmetic surgery.
2010s	The “fit and curvy” body type grew in popularity, with emphasis on fitness and well-defined curves. Influencers like Kim Kardashian contributed to this trend.
2020s	There has been a growing shift towards body positivity and acceptance, with a focus on health over a specific body shape.

Role of Social Media on Body Positivity Movement’s Impact on Women

I’ve noticed that social media plays a significant role in the body positivity movement. Platforms like Instagram have become a crucial space for spreading messages of acceptance and self-love for all bodies.

The #bodypositivity hashtag, for example, popularized the body positivity movement around 2012.

As a result, more women are being exposed to diverse body types and stories, helping them embrace their bodies and break free from unrealistic beauty standards.

With the rise of social media, the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA) and other body-positive movements have gained more visibility, encouraging people to challenge body shaming and discrimination.

As someone who has experienced body shaming, I can attest to the importance of social media in promoting body acceptance and combating eating disorders.

The Need for Intersectionality and Inclusivity

Beyond Size and Shape

As someone who’s been actively promoting body positivity, I’ve realized that it’s not just about accepting different sizes and shapes; it’s about embracing all aspects of our human body.

Physical health, for example, should be a priority regardless of appearance.

I’ve seen people with various physical abilities and backgrounds enjoying exercise, breaking barriers, and disproving stereotypes that limit them in conventional wellness practices.

While weight loss may be a priority for some, self-acceptance and challenging negative thoughts should matter to everyone.

It’s essential to go beyond celebrating thick thighs and curvy waistlines—body positivity should also address the need for inclusivity across other less visible factors such as race, age, and disability.

Expanding the Conversation

Pop culture might have us thinking that body acceptance is only for women.

Still, it’s essential to recognize that this social movement should encompass all human experiences across different genders, age groups, and communities.

In an era where social media can promote toxic positivity and heighten the prevalence of fat-shaming, we must actively work on challenging established norms, questioning stereotypes, and celebrating the diverse range of experiences that make us who we are.

That said, it’s best to move beyond viewing body positivity as merely a women’s issue and include everyone in the conversation.

References

Studies:

• Body Image Distress and Its Associations From an International Sample of Men and Women Across the Adult Life Span. https://formative.jmir.org/2021/11/e25329
• Body Appreciation in Adult Women: Relationships with Age and Body Satisfaction. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23954196/
• The Role of the Media in Body Image Concerns Among Women. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/5259131_

Organizations:

• National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
• Association for Size Diversity and Health (ASDAH). https://asdah.org/

Books:

• “The Role of Body Image in Women’s Mental Health” by Anne Marie Cussins
• “The Body Is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love” by Sonya Renee Taylor.
• “Body Positive Power” by Megan Jayne Crabbe.

Websites:

• Office on Women’s Health (OASH). https://www.womenshealth.gov/
• Better Health Channel. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/