The Beauty Myth: How Images of Beauty Are Used Against Women

Imagine a phantom, not one made of flesh and bone, but a spectral idea that haunts the lives of millions of women. This phantom is the beauty myth — a set of impossible standards that dictate how women must look to be valued. This myth is not a natural truth but a cultural invention, a social construct designed to control and limit women’s freedom. Across centuries and cultures, ideals of beauty have shifted and changed, from the voluptuous figures admired in some societies to the gaunt, youthful look prized in others. The myth is a shape-shifter, adapting to the times but always serving the same purpose: to keep women in a state of self-surveillance and competition.

The beauty myth emerged most strongly after the Industrial Revolution, when women began to gain material freedoms and political rights. As women pushed forward, this myth intensified — a backlash to undermine their progress by channeling their energies into the pursuit of physical perfection. Rather than celebrating women’s achievements, society demanded their conformity to an ideal that was unattainable and ever-changing.

Behind this myth lies a powerful economic engine. The diet industry alone generates $33 billion annually, while cosmetics and cosmetic surgery rake in tens of billions more. These industries thrive on women’s insecurities, selling hope alongside products, and ensuring that the phantom remains alive and well. Women are caught in a cycle of hope and self-hatred, endlessly striving to meet standards set not by nature, but by market forces and cultural fears.

Consider the example of breast implant surgeries, which became widespread as a response to new beauty anxieties fueled by pornography’s influence on fashion. When the dangers of silicone implants became known, legal actions halted the market, and anxiety about breast size diminished. This shows how economic interests and cultural anxieties intertwine to sustain the beauty myth.

Yet, this phantom is difficult to fight because it is intangible. It is far more difficult to murder a phantom than a reality. Women often internalize these ideals, policing themselves and each other, dividing themselves through competition for scarce beauty. This divisiveness weakens collective strength and solidarity.

As we begin our journey through this audiobook, remember that what you will hear is not condemnation but illumination. Understanding the beauty myth is the first step toward reclaiming freedom and self-love. By recognizing the phantom, we can begin to dismantle it. Let us move forward to explore how this myth infiltrates the workplace and shapes women’s professional lives.