Female Body Image and Beauty Politics in Contemporary Indian Literature and Culture

The first volume to examine the many conceptualizations of South Asian women's body issues in film, literature, advertising, and other media is Female Body Image and Beauty Politics in Contemporary Indian Literature and Culture. It explores the pressures of beautification that Indian women face as they struggle with body acceptance and are often denied pride in their natural bodies, influenced by Eurocentric ideals from the colonial period to the age of the internet and globalization.

Format: Hardback
Length: 276 pages
Publication date: 10 May 2024
Publisher: Temple University Press,U.S.

Female Body Image and Beauty Politics in Contemporary Indian Literature and Culture is a groundbreaking volume that delves into the diverse conceptualizations of South Asian women's body issues across film, literature, advertising, and other media. By exploring how body image and self-identity are constructed in contemporary neoliberal India, the editors and contributors offer insightful theorizations on the intersection of body image with Indian womanhood, while also addressing political, socio-economic, and cultural factors.

Over the years, influences from the colonial period to the age of the internet and globalization have perpetuated Eurocentric ideals about femininity and womanhood. This long-overdue volume addresses the pressures that Indian women face as they strive for body acceptance and often face discrimination for embracing their natural bodies.

Contributors to this volume include renowned scholars and activists, such as Annika Taneja, Anurima Chanda, Aratrika Bose, Kavita Daiya, Ketaki Chowkhani, Nishat Haider, Samrita Sinha, Shailendra Kumar Singh, Shubhra Ray, Sucharita Sarkar, Sukshma Vedere, Swatie, Tanupriya, Turni Chakrabarti, and the editors themselves. Their diverse perspectives and expertise contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the complex issues surrounding female body image and beauty politics in India.

In the opening chapter, "Introduction: Negotiating Body Image and Identity in Contemporary India," the editors provide a comprehensive overview of the volume's themes and objectives. They highlight the historical and cultural contexts that shape women's body experiences in India, emphasizing the role of colonialism, patriarchy, and the media in perpetuating Eurocentric ideals. They also discuss the impact of globalization on these ideals and the challenges that Indian women face in reconciling them with their own cultural and societal values.

The subsequent chapters delve into various aspects of female body image and beauty politics in India. "Body Image and the Media: Representations and Realities" explores the ways in which the media, including films, television shows, and advertising, perpetuate stereotypes and unrealistic beauty standards that negatively impact women's self-esteem and body image. Contributors analyze the representations of women in popular media and discuss the impact of these images on young girls and women, highlighting the need for more diverse and positive portrayals.

Chapter 2, "Beauty and the Body in Indian Literature and Culture," examines the ways in which literature and cultural traditions shape women's body image and beauty ideals. Contributors explore the representation of women's bodies in Indian literature, including classical texts and contemporary works, and discuss the historical and cultural factors that influence these representations. They also analyze the role of beauty pageants and other cultural events in promoting and perpetuating Eurocentric ideals of femininity.

Chapter 3, "Body Image and the State: Policy and Practice," explores the policies and practices that govern women's body image and beauty in India. Contributors discuss the impact of government initiatives, such as the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign, on women's body image and discuss the challenges that women face in accessing healthcare and reproductive rights. They also analyze the role of the media and advertising in shaping public perceptions of beauty and the consequences of these perceptions on women's self-esteem and body image.

Chapter 4, "Body Image and Resistance: Activism and Advocacy," examines the ways in which women and feminist organizations are resisting the pressures of beautification and promoting body acceptance. Contributors discuss the work of activists and advocates who are challenging traditional beauty standards and promoting body positivity. They also explore the role of social media in amplifying these voices and creating a platform for women to share their experiences and stories.

Chapter 5, "Conclusion: Reflections and Challenges," offers a concluding reflection on the issues discussed in the volume. The editors highlight the need for continued research and advocacy on female body image and beauty politics in India, emphasizing the importance of intersectionality and the recognition of diverse experiences and perspectives. They also call for a shift in societal attitudes towards women's bodies, away from the narrow and restrictive ideals of beauty and towards a more inclusive and positive view of femininity.

Female Body Image and Beauty Politics in Contemporary Indian Literature and Culture is a groundbreaking work that provides a comprehensive analysis of the complex issues surrounding women's body image and beauty in India. By bringing together scholars, activists, and artists, the volume offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the pressures, challenges, and opportunities that Indian women face in their pursuit of body acceptance and pride in their natural bodies. This volume is a valuable resource for researchers, educators, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the intersection of gender, culture, and beauty in contemporary India.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781439922514