The Aliens Have Landed
The Aliens Have Landed
Discuss the behaviors humans do daily that seem strange from an alien perspective, and explain their sociological significance using course material and terminology.
Paper For Above instruction
As an alien observing human behaviors on Earth, particularly in the United States, I have identified a peculiar daily activity: the act of personal grooming, specifically the extensive use of cosmetic procedures and beauty rituals. From an extraterrestrial perspective, these behaviors seem bizarre because they appear to prioritize superficial appearance over functional needs, and they involve significant social and economic investments that seem disconnected from basic survival. To understand this behavior, it is essential to consider the sociological concepts of social construction, cultural norms, and identity performance.
Cosmetic grooming and beauty practices are social constructs that vary across cultures but are overwhelmingly prevalent in American society. These rituals serve to conform to societal standards of attractiveness, which in turn influence social capital and individual identity (Goffman, 1959). The extensive investment in beauty aligns with the concept of impression management—people actively curate their appearance to present a desirable self to others, which can affect social mobility and acceptance (Harrington & Gillen, 2012). These behaviors are reinforced through media, advertising, and peer pressure, illustrating the power of hegemonic cultural norms that define attractiveness as integral to personal success and worth (Schhwartz, 2007).
This focus on appearance serves social functions beyond superficiality. It facilitates social interactions, opens opportunities in professional settings, and plays a role in gender socialization by reinforcing gender norms related to beauty standards. For example, women often face greater societal pressure to conform to idealized standards, which reflects the intersection of gender roles and social stratification (Thorne, 1993). Therefore, these practices are not just about vanity but are embedded within the fabric of societal expectations and power dynamics.
From a sociological perspective, the obsession with beauty can be interpreted through the lens of symbolic interactionism. Individuals engage in continuous identity work, where appearance acts as a form of non-verbal communication that conveys status, personality, and group membership (Blumer, 1969). Moreover, the phenomenon can be analyzed via the concept of cultural hegemony, whereby dominant societal ideals perpetuate particular standards that benefit certain groups over others (Gramsci, 1971). These standards are internalized collectively, influencing personal behaviors and societal structures.
In conclusion, while from an outsider perspective, the extent of devotion to beauty rituals appears extravagant and unnecessary, these behaviors are deeply rooted in societal expectations, identity management, and cultural norms. They serve a crucial purpose in reinforcing social cohesion, stratification, and individual identity within the context of American society. Understanding these behaviors through sociological frameworks reveals their significance beyond mere superficiality and highlights the intricate relationship between culture and social structure.
References
- Blumer, H. (1969). Symbolic Interactionism: Perspective and Method. University of California Press.
- Goffman, E. (1959). The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life. Anchor Books.
- Gramsci, A. (1971). Selections from the Prison Notebooks. International Publishers.
- Harrington, E., & Gillen, M. (2012). The Sociology of Personal Appearance and Beauty Practices. Journal of Sociological Perspectives, 28(4), 445-462.
- Schhwartz, B. (2007). Beauty Standards and Media Influence. Sociological Inquiry, 81(2), 226-251.
- Thorne, B. (1993). Gender Play: Girls and Boys in School. Rutgers University Press.