The word "beauty" is often used to refer to something that is pleasing to the senses, especially sight. It can also be used to describe qualities such as symmetry, proportion, harmony, and balance. But it can also be used to refer to more than just physical attributes - beauty is also closely linked to social status and power dynamics. In this essay, I will explore how hierarchies of beauty reflect broader class systems.
Let's look at some historical examples. In ancient Greece, wealthy men were expected to have well-groomed bodies and facial hair, while poorer men were considered unattractive if they couldn't afford grooming products. In medieval Europe, women who were thin and pale were seen as desirable because they were associated with aristocratic bloodlines. And in modern times, people with light skin are still often considered more attractive than those with darker skin tones.
In each case, the idea of what is beautiful has been tied to social status and power. Those who could afford expensive grooming or had lighter skin tones were seen as having higher social standing, while those who couldn't were relegated to lower classes. This hierarchy of beauty is a reflection of broader class systems, where one group holds power over another.
This hierarchy continues today.
Many Western cultures place a high value on blonde hair, which is seen as a sign of privilege and wealth. People with darker hair, on the other hand, may be seen as less attractive and less desirable. Similarly, slender bodies are often idealized in the media and advertising, but not everyone can achieve that body type without access to personal trainers and nutritionists.
This hierarchy of beauty affects people's everyday lives.
Someone who doesn't fit into society's ideal of beauty may face discrimination in dating, employment, and even healthcare. They may also feel pressure to change their appearance to conform to societal norms, which can lead to feelings of anxiety and low self-esteem.
So how do we break down these hierarchies? One way is to challenge the cultural ideas about beauty that reinforce classism. We can celebrate diversity and accept different body types, hairstyles, and skin colors. We can also question the economic and political structures that perpetuate this hierarchy of beauty. By recognizing that beauty is more than just physical attributes, we can create a world where all people are valued for who they are, rather than what they look like.
How do hierarchies of beauty reflect broader class systems?
Hierarchies of beauty can be seen as an expression of broader class systems due to their relationship with social status and power dynamics. In many cultures, individuals who are perceived as more attractive tend to have higher socioeconomic statuses and greater levels of power than those who are not considered conventionally beautiful. This is often related to access to resources such as education, job opportunities, and material wealth.