Overview

Taking the concept of beauty seriously, this encyclopedia examines how humanity has sought and continues to seek what is ""beautiful"" in a variety of cultural contexts, giving readers an understanding of how to look at beauty both intellectually and critically. Is beauty ever more than ""skin deep""? Arguably yes, considering that the concept of beauty—and the pursuit of it—has shaped cultures worldwide, across every time period, and has even served to change the course of history. Studying beauty practices yields insight into social status, wealth, political ideology, religious doctrine, and gender expectations, including gender nonconformity. A truly interdisciplinary text, Beauty around the World: A Cultural Encyclopedia presents an insightful perspective on beauty that draws from philosophy, literature, sociology, anthropology, psychology, and feminist studies, giving readers a unique view of world beauty practices. This volume offers information about beauty practices from the past to the present in alphabetical entries that address terms and topics such as ""beards,"" ""dreadlocks,"" ""Geisha,"" ""moko tattoos,"" and ""progressive muscularity."" Readers will better comprehend how beauty shapes many social interactions in profound ways worldwide, and that the unspoken social agreements that shape ideals of attractiveness and desirability within any given culture can matter very much. The encyclopedia's entries challenge readers to consider the questions ""What is beauty?"" and ""Why does it matter?"" A comprehensive bibliography is a valuable resource for further research.

Full Product Details

Author:   Erin Kenny (Missouri State University, USA) ,  Elizabeth Gackstetter Nichols
Publisher:   Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Imprint:   ABC-CLIO
Weight:   1.106kg
ISBN:  

9781610699440

ISBN 10:   1610699440
Pages:   440
Publication Date:   22 June 2017
Recommended Age:   From 7 to 17 years
Audience:   College/higher education ,  General/trade ,  Tertiary & Higher Education ,  General
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Manufactured on demand  
We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier.

Table of Contents

List of Entries Preface Acknowledgements Introduction The Encyclopedia Appendix: Opposing Viewpoints Question 1: Psychology with a Scalpel: Does Cosmetic Surgery Boost Self-Esteem? Response 1: Psychology with a Scalpel: Yes, Cosmetic Surgery Boosts Self-Esteem Response 2: Cosmetic Surgery: Boon or Bane? Question 2: Is Beauty a Biological Imperative or a Cultural Preference? Response 1: What Could You Expect from a Nation that Has Won a Total of 22 International Beauty Pageants? Response 2: On the Irrelevance of Genetics Question 3: The Rise of the Transgendered Beauty Pageant: Is Biology a Fixed Category? Response 1: Transgender Beauty Pageants: An Imperfect Solution Response 2: Transgender Pageants: An Occasion for Celebration Question 4: If Beauty Is Only Skin Deep, Why Is It So Important? Response 1: Beauty and the Law Response 2: Language Is Skin Deep—A Glance at Metaphorical Beauty Question 5: How is Men's Beauty Increasingly Commodified? Response 1: Men's Beauty Response 2: Subtle Play by Mr. Gray Selected Bibliography About the Authors and Contributors Index

Reviews

This is an excellent background source for undergraduates and general readers seeking a sociological examination of themes related to the definition and pursuit of beauty. - Library Journal Anthropologist Kenny and Spanish professor Nichols bring a welcome cross-cultural perspective to the topic of beauty-often treated overwhelmingly from a Western perspective. . . . Summing Up: Recommended. All readership levels. - Choice

This is an excellent background source for undergraduates and general readers seeking a sociological examination of themes related to the definition and pursuit of beauty. - Library Journal

Author Information

Erin Kenny, PhD, is associate professor of anthropology at Drury University in Springfield, MO, where she directs the Women and Gender Studies program. Elizabeth Gackstetter Nichols, PhD, is professor of Spanish at Drury University in Springfield, MO.

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