Concepts of beauty change over time. Different societies have had diverse notions about beauty, demonstrating how ideals are socially constructed. Prior to the 20th century, Europeans and North Americans admired larger women because it was believed that they were better able to bear children. Pictures of Victorian women demonstrate the popularity of the curved figure, achieved by wearing a corset. Chinese foot-binding, where girls feet were bound to keep them small, demonstrates that a woman's beauty was valued more than her ability to walk. Despite the serious health consequences, this practice was encouraged and expected of women. Being larger, smaller, taller, shorter, darker, lighter, older or younger has been admired by different people in different times.

Socialization
A preoccupation with body image is often socialized in girls from the time they are very young. Parents may describe their infant daughters as sweet and delicate, and their sons as strong and active. Through this type of socialization, children of both sexes learn that girls are valued for being beautiful and boys are valued for being strong.

Media
Images of women are used to sell everything from food to cars. Popular film and television actors are typically tall, thin and fit. Magazines are full of ideas about dieting and "how to look good".

Media images of female beauty are unrealistic and unattainable for the majority of women. Sadly, the number of girls and women who seek a similarly underweight body is growing, and in that quest they can suffer devastating health consequences. Girls and women go to great lengths to change their body to reflect what they see on TV and in magazines. Chemical hair straightening/curling, cosmetic surgery, breast implants, liposuction, and hair removal products are just a few examples.

Messages about being thin, dieting, and beauty tell women that they are always in need of adjustment – and that the female body is an object to be perfected. The media often reinforces the importance of a thin body as a measure of a woman's worth.

Self Image

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