The discussion regarding body hair is heavily influenced by societal norms, gender roles, and cultural expectations.
Especially female read bodies are often shamed for having natural body hair. The constant advertising of smooth skin or regular hair removal practices as beauty ideal reinforces the idea that femininity is equal with hairless.
The binary double standard regarding body hair portrays excessive hair as a sign of masculinity. The disparity maintains the idea of bodies having to fit in a narrow beauty standard in order to be seen as attractive by society.
Body hair is argued as another form of societal control over female bodies. For this reason, it is important to challenge these societal norms and reclaim body autonomy.
(Author: Mariachiara Pacchetti)
See more resources
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