A phenomenological exploration of Indian women's body image within intersecting identities in a globalizing nation

Title

A phenomenological exploration of Indian women's body image within intersecting identities in a globalizing nation

Creator

Verma A.; Ray S.

Description

The goal of the study was to examine Indian women's body image experiences utilizing an intersectional framework. Using phenomenological method, the study attempted to explore how experiences of gender oppression intersect with salient social identities to produce experiences of body dissatisfaction in Indian women. Thirty-Five Indian women in the age group 1840 years participated in semi-structured interviews. Overall, women experienced and discussed their bodies in terms of physical features they liked and disliked. Three themes emerged that comprised body image experiences of Indian women- (a) Beautiful, thin and fair- three social imperatives for women, (b) Internalization and (c) Body image management. Each of these impacted women negatively and contributed to greater body monitoring, increased indulgence in unhealthy behaviours and heightened body dissatisfaction. Women also discussed coping techniques for managing such experiences. Researchers and practitioners are encouraged to take into account culturally constructed beauty norms and unique socio-cultural factors for Indian women that determine body image. Findings are interpreted in the context of evolving socio-cultural norms that have recolonised Indian women's embodiment in a globalizing nation. 2023 Elsevier Ltd

Source

Women's Studies International Forum, Vol-98

Date

2023-01-01

Publisher

Elsevier Ltd

Subject

Body dissatisfaction; Body image; Globalization; Indian women; Intersectionality; Phenomenology

Coverage

Verma A., Jindal School of Psychology & Counseling, OP Jindal Global University, Sonipat, India; Ray S., CHRIST (Deemed to be University)

Rights

Restricted Access

Relation

ISSN: 2775395

Format

Online

Language

English

Type

Article

Identifier

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wsif.2023.102732

https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85153229156&doi=10.1016%2fj.wsif.2023.102732&partnerID=40&md5=b405818499922ef0877717c551e67bcc