Social Media’s Role in Redefining Beauty Standards
Social media has revolutionized nearly every aspect of modern life, and its influence on beauty standards is no exception.
For decades, beauty ideals for women have been narrowly defined. From Marilyn Monroe’s curvaceous figure in the 1950s to the ultra-thin frames of 1990s supermodels, society’s idea of the “perfect” body has shifted over time. However, a consistent theme has been the pressure on women to conform to a singular standard, often dictated by pop culture and advertising.
In contrast, social media has significantly expanded the definition of beauty. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube now feature creators of all sizes, shapes, and ethnicities. This inclusivity is reshaping how people view their bodies, offering representation that goes far beyond the size 0 models traditionally seen in mainstream media.
Plus Size Becomes the New Norm
As American women increasingly embrace body positivity and size inclusivity, research shows that the average body size is also changing.
A study published in the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education highlights a shift in what is considered “average.” While it was once commonly stated that the average size for American women was 14, the study reveals that the average woman now wears between a misses size 16 and 18, which corresponds to a women’s plus size 20W. Additionally, the average waist size has increased from 34.9 inches to 37.5 inches over the past two decades.
“We hope this information reaches both the industry and consumers,” said Susan Dunn, one of the study’s lead researchers, in an interview with Today. “Understanding these figures can have a profound impact on women’s self-esteem. The apparel industry needs to recognize that these women are here to stay and deserve inclusive clothing options.”
Why Are American Women Getting Larger?
The average size of American women has increased over the past several decades. According to the CDC, the average weight of an American woman is now approximately 170.6 pounds, compared to 140 pounds in the 1960s. Multiple factors contribute to this trend:
- Lifestyle Changes: Sedentary jobs, higher calorie consumption, and an increased reliance on processed foods play significant roles.
- Cultural Shifts: Greater acceptance and celebration of diverse body types have reduced societal pressure to adhere to extreme dieting.
- Genetics and Environment: Genetic predispositions and environmental factors, such as stress and access to healthy foods, also influence body size.
Beyond Appearance: A Health Perspective
While larger body sizes are increasingly celebrated, the medical implications cannot be ignored. Obesity rates have doubled since 1990, according to the World Health Organization. Social media, while fostering inclusivity, has also been criticized for promoting unhealthy lifestyles and sedentary habits that contribute to weight gain.
The Mayo Clinic emphasizes that “obesity isn’t just a cosmetic issue.” It is a medical condition that increases the risk of numerous health complications, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, liver disease, sleep apnea, and certain types of cancer.
A New Era of Beauty
True beauty lies in celebrating individuality rather than conforming to a rigid standard. Social media has been instrumental in spreading this message and has the potential to reshape beauty norms in a positive way when used thoughtfully.
What’s your take on social media’s impact on beauty standards? Share your thoughts and pass this article along to gather more perspectives!
A Woman “Married” to a Ragdoll Gives Birth to Twins, Shares Pregnancy Story
A woman, 39, tied the knot with her ideal husband, who happens to be a ragdoll. They had a grand wedding. The couple is now parents to twin babies and are overjoyed. The woman is sharing how her life has been transformed since becoming a mother and how her unique family is doing.
An unusual marriage.
Meirivone Rocha Moraes had given up on finding a faithful and honest partner. Her unsuccessful search disheartened her. After hearing her daughter’s woes, Meirivone’s mother decided to step in.
She crafted a life-sized ragdoll named “Marcelo” for Meirivone. Surprisingly, Meirivone fell in love with Marcelo. They exchanged vows in a charming ceremony, both looking their finest.
They were happy to expand their family.
A year after welcoming their son Marcelinho, the family with a unique story shared the news of expecting another child. Meirivone and her ragdoll husband, Marcelo, embrace the unexpected joys of their life together.
They threw a vibrant gender reveal party among loved ones, where a burst of pink smoke on social media signaled the anticipated arrival of their daughter, Marcela. However, it turned out that Meirivone was blessed with twins.
They both make efforts to raise the children.
In the home of Meirivone and Marcelo, everyone contributes to the family, even the ragdoll father and the toy children. The arrival of the twins has brought twice the activity and emotions. Marcelo, despite being a ragdoll, is portrayed as sharing in the daily care, helping with tasks like bathing, feeding, and putting the children to sleep.
The twins made it harder for the family to sustain.
Marcelo, the ragdoll father, feels the pressure as his family’s needs grow, including more food, clothing, and healthcare costs. Yet, his aspiration to have a loving family with children keeps him going, turning each obstacle into a step closer to his ideal life.
Marcelo and Meirivone have big dreams for their family, including owning their own home. Marcelo has been consistently looking online for a house since they got married, Meirivone notes. They remain committed to this goal through all the highs and lows.
The family also faced some struggles.
Their family’s story took a tense turn when Meirivone reported that their son Marcelinho was kidnapped and held for ransom. The intense search efforts, which involved social media and local community outreach, brought a new level of drama to their lives. Thankfully, Marcelinho was found unharmed.
Meirivone has had her share of troubles, too, having accused Marcelo of being unfaithful twice, based on a text from a friend. This revelation upset her greatly, leading her to have Marcelo sleep separately. Despite these issues, their relationship is now stronger than before.
In related news, another woman has gained attention for her collection of doll children, investing $7.5K in 13 artificial infants. Read her story here.
Preview photo credit meirivone_santinha / Instagram, meirivone_santinha / Instagram, meirivone_santinha / Instagram
Leave a Reply