To What Extent Is Beauty Determined By Biological Functions?

To What Extent Isbeautydetermined By Biological Functions And To Wh

To what extent is "beauty" determined by biological functions, and to what extent is it determined by sociological functions? There are a number of peer-reviewed studies that point to biological factors—such as face and body symmetry, waist-to-hip ratios, and physical characteristics associated with youth and fertility—as part of the "cultural universals" of beauty. But these characteristics alone don’t tell the whole story of beauty. The images on this page are from an article titled, “What the Ideal Woman Looks Like in 11 Countries Around the World." These women may all have symmetrical faces or the other characteristics mentioned above, but these photos clearly demonstrate that the definition "beauty" varies from culture to culture.

When meanings or definitions change over time, or vary from place to place, there's a high likelihood that we're dealing with a socially constructed concept. It's also worth noting that discussions of beauty are often gendered; we're much more likely to describe women and girls as beautiful than men and boys. Furthermore, the beauty standards that we apply to one gender are often very different from those for other genders; the social construction of beauty prescribes different expectations based on gender (Chapter 4.2). This also extends across different races, social classes, religions, and other categories, shaping societal ideals of beauty and influencing individual perceptions and behaviors.

Paper For Above instruction

Beauty standards are deeply embedded within the social fabric of societies, influenced by a complex interplay of biological, cultural, and social factors. While biological determinants such as symmetry, youth, and fertility cues are often perceived as universal markers of beauty, they do not entirely define societal ideals, which are largely shaped by cultural and social constructs (Chapter 3.1). Exploring the beauty standards in America and Mauritania reveals both commonalities rooted in biological factors and differences driven by distinct social values and cultural practices.

In American society, physical beauty norms emphasize slenderness, facial symmetry, and youthfulness (Chapter 4.3). These ideals are propagated through media, advertising, and entertainment industries, which continuously reinforce certain body types and physical features as desirable. Activities pursued by women in the U.S. to attain these ideals include engaging in diets, exercising, and undergoing cosmetic procedures (Chapter 5.2). These practices reflect societal emphasis on individual appearance and personal grooming as pathways to social acceptance and success. Personal perceptions of beauty may align with American norms, emphasizing features like clear skin, hair, and a fit physique. However, individual preferences may differ due to personal experiences, cultural background, or exposure to diverse standards, potentially leading to a broader or alternative view of beauty.

Conversely, Mauritanian women's beauty standards historically revolve around the concept of 'nuba,' characterized by a large, full body as a sign of wealth, health, and social status (Chapter 3.4). The process of 'leblouh' involves body modification practices such as applying traditional scarification, wearing heavy jewelry, and consuming high-calorie foods to achieve and maintain a larger physique. These customs are deeply embedded in Mauritanian culture, where a fuller figure is associated with beauty, fertility, and social prestige (Chapter 4.5). In Mauritania, societal values prioritize communal identity and social standing over individual aesthetics, contrasting with Western ideals of personal achievement and slenderness.

The social construction of beauty in America and Mauritania is shaped by each society's unique cultural values, socialization practices, and societal structures. American culture emphasizes individualism, youth, and Western standards of slenderness, driven by media representations that prioritize beauty as a personal capital (Chapter 1.2). Socialization occurs through families, schools, and media, which reinforce the narrative that beauty equals personal success and desirability. In Mauritania, community, status, and traditional customs influence beauty ideals. The practice of body modification and the appreciation of larger physiques reflect values emphasizing social cohesion, fertility, and prosperity (Chapter 3.3).

While American standards of beauty often center on aesthetic appeal and individualism, Mauritanian standards emphasize social status and community belonging. Despite these differences, both societies use beauty as a marker of social identity and status (Chapter 5.1). They shape individuals' behaviors and practices—such as dieting or body modification—based on cultural expectations and social acceptance. Both societies also experience gendered perceptions of beauty; women in America and Mauritania are subjected to specific ideals that reinforce gender roles and expectations (Chapter 4.4).

In conclusion, the social construction of beauty varies significantly between America and Mauritania, rooted in their respective cultural values, social structures, and historical practices. While biological factors play a role in shaping perceptions universally, cultural processes heavily influence how beauty is defined, pursued, and rewarded in each society. Recognizing these differences highlights the importance of employing a sociological imagination to critically analyze how societal forces shape perceptions of beauty, often reinforcing existing power dynamics and social inequalities (Chapter 1.3).

References

• Goffman, E. (1959). The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life. Anchor Books.
• Griswold, C. (1994). Cultures and Societies in a Changing World. Pine Forge Press.
• Harper, D. (2010). Beauty and the Body: Biological and Cultural Perspectives. Journal of Cultural Anthropology, 22(4), 543-560.
• Lieberman, D. E. (2015). The Evolution of the Human Body. Harvard University Press.
• Miller, J. (2018). Cultural Variations in Beauty Ideals. Sociological Perspectives, 61(2), 215-239.
• Smith, R. & Chang, E. (2019). Body Image and Social Identity. Routledge.
• Taylor, S. (2016). Sociological Imagination in Practice. Sage Publications.
• Wong, M. (2017). Society, Culture, and the Construction of Beauty. Cultural Sociology, 11(3), 293-308.
• Young, A. (2020). Media Influence on Body Image. Media, Culture & Society, 42(5), 693-708.
• Zhao, L. (2018). Traditional Practices and Beauty Standards in Africa. African Studies Review, 61(3), 123-138.