Sociology of the body Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Sociology of the body - Essay ExampleThis study is being undertaken in order to establish a well supported smell or social construct in the sociology of the body. Discussion Different members of society often fashion or build their bodies based on reliable societal views of masculinity and femininity. In so doing, they often try to shape and use their bodies to fit their gender and cultural expectations. This practice seems to emphasize not so much on the distinctiveness of our bodies, but more on what society dictates as acceptable forms or shapes (Lorber and Martin, 2007, p. 227). Our genes partially determine our biological make-up and other environmental factors murder our physiology. Outside such biological constructs, cultural and social factors and attitudes attached to gender-based practices are also a crucial part of our overall make-up. Such practices create bodies which most social groups classify as masculine or feminine. In effect, the longing for better looking bod ies have manifested in trends which lend greater support to decorative surgery, growth horm stars, anabolic steroids, bodybuilding, and other fitness regimens for both men and women (Lorber and Martin, 2007, p. 227). Many advertisements for plastic surgeries also target men and women in their vulnerabilities. Men with gynecomastia or enlarged breasts, and women with small breasts have been exposed to ads which declare solutions to their issues for men wanting to be rid of their gynecomastia and for women wanting bigger and perkier breasts (Lorber, 1994, p. 3). Women have also been exposed to the societal notion or expectation that having perky, large, and firm breasts, as well as slim bodies is the accepted shape to be in. In effect, many women wanting to fit the accepted societal demands have given in to breast lifts/reductions/augmentations and to puffier lips, toned abdomens, and sonsy buttocks (Grogan, 2008, p. 52). Advertisements for plastic surgeries have capitalized on th e portrayal of ideal images of beauty young, fresh, thin, and shapely forms. Millions of Americans have heeded these demands with ab bring out 6.9 million of them giving into the cosmetic surgery in 2002 alone 88% of these are actually women (Lorber and Martin, 2007, p. 278). Most of these surgeries have included liposuction, eyelid surgery, nose reshaping, breast augmentation, breast reduction, as well as hair transplants and ear reshaping for men. In terms of age, most of those seeking plastic surgery blood in the 34-50 year age group and most of these surgeries have been carried out among the whites, with few having been performed on minority groups (Lorber and Martin, 2007, p. 8). Due to its high cost, these surgeries have mostly been carried out in the affluent population, however, considering the general populations obsession with losing weight through exercise machines and diet pills, it is a trend which still covers many the great unwashed regardless of financial capabili ty or ethnic affinities. Bodies are socially constructed because they are tools used by many people in order to spend a penny some form of progress or advancement in their life (Davids, Evans, and Lorber, 2006, p. 55). Even if the business and employment world may capitalize on ones skills, talents, knowledge, and educational background to determine employment, still, it cannot be denied that ones looks affect a persons success and employment status. One undefiled example is the fact that there has