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: Paperback / softback
Length: 276 pages
Publication date: 22 April 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 image in India, emphasizing the impact of colonialism, religious beliefs, and societal norms. They also discuss the rise of neoliberalism and its implications for body image, particularly in the context of advertising and media representation.

The subsequent chapters delve into specific aspects of female body image and beauty politics in India. "Representations of the Female Body in Indian Cinema" explores the ways in which film and television have portrayed women's bodies, often reinforcing stereotypes and promoting unrealistic beauty standards. Contributors analyze the representation of women's bodies in popular films, including Bollywood and regional cinema, and discuss the impact of these portrayals on viewers, particularly young women.

Chapter "Beauty and the Body in Indian Advertising" examines the role of advertising in shaping women's body image and self-esteem. Contributors analyze the prevalence of airbrushing, Photoshopping, and other digital manipulation techniques in advertising and discuss the impact of these practices on women's body image and self-confidence. They also explore the ways in which advertising promotes unrealistic beauty standards and reinforces gender stereotypes.

Chapter "Body Image and the Internet: Negotiating Identities in the Digital Age" explores the impact of the internet on female body image and self-expression. Contributors discuss the rise of social media platforms and the ways in which they have facilitated the exchange of body image information and influenced beauty standards. They also examine the ways in which online communities, such as beauty blogs and forums, have provided a space for women to express their body positivity and challenge traditional beauty norms.

Chapter "Beauty Politics and Resistance in Contemporary India" examines the ways in which women are resisting and challenging traditional beauty standards. Contributors explore the role of feminist movements, cultural festivals, and artistic interventions in promoting body positivity and challenging gender stereotypes. They also discuss the challenges faced by women who seek to redefine beauty standards and challenge dominant narratives.

In conclusion, Female Body Image and Beauty Politics in Contemporary Indian Literature and Culture is a vital contribution to the field of women's studies and cultural studies. By analyzing the diverse conceptualizations of South Asian women's body issues across film, literature, advertising, and other media, the volume provides a comprehensive understanding of the pressures and challenges faced by Indian women in their pursuit of body acceptance and self-identity. The contributions of the editors and contributors shed light on the complex interplay between body image, gender, politics, and culture in India, and offer valuable insights into the ways in which women can resist and challenge dominant beauty norms.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781439922521