The Beauty Myth

"The Beauty Myth," by Naomi Wolf, argues that societal standards of beauty serve to restrict women and justify gender inequality. It suggests that media and cultural pressures create unrealistic ideals, leading women to pursue constant beauty enhancements at the expense of their well-being and autonomy. This obsession with appearance masks underlying social issues, such as oppression and discrimination, by focusing attention on superficial flaws. The book encourages critical awareness of how beauty standards are constructed and enforced, empowering women to challenge these expectations and prioritize their inner qualities and rights over external appearances.