What historical ideals of women's shapes teach us about women's self-perception and body decisions today

Abstract

The Body Issue: What Global and Historical Perspectives of the Ideal Female Body Can Teach Us About Our Own Present-Day Bodies is a graphic memoir that explores cultural and social factors that influence women's body image and restrict their decisions about their bodies. Drawing from historical and contemporary sources, such as advertisements, magazines, and body satisfaction surveys, as well as personal experience, the memoir offers insight into the cultural and social overemphasis on women's physical appearance. This article summarizes key points from The Body Issue and invites readers to consider bodies as a means to individuality instead of assimilation.