Taking the concept of beauty seriously, this encyclopedia examines
how humanity has sought and continues to seek what is "beautiful"
in a variety of cultural contexts, giving readers an understanding
of how to look at beauty both intellectually and critically. Is
beauty ever more than "skin deep"? Arguably yes, considering that
the concept of beauty-and the pursuit of it-has shaped cultures
worldwide, across every time period, and has even served to change
the course of history. Studying beauty practices yields insight
into social status, wealth, political ideology, religious doctrine,
and gender expectations, including gender nonconformity. A truly
interdisciplinary text, Beauty around the World: A Cultural
Encyclopedia presents an insightful perspective on beauty that
draws from philosophy, literature, sociology, anthropology,
psychology, and feminist studies, giving readers a unique view of
world beauty practices. This volume offers information about beauty
practices from the past to the present in alphabetical entries that
address terms and topics such as "beards," "dreadlocks," "Geisha,"
"moko tattoos," and "progressive muscularity." Readers will better
comprehend how beauty shapes many social interactions in profound
ways worldwide, and that the unspoken social agreements that shape
ideals of attractiveness and desirability within any given culture
can matter very much. The encyclopedia's entries challenge readers
to consider the questions "What is beauty?" and "Why does it
matter?" A comprehensive bibliography is a valuable resource for
further research. Provides an interdisciplinary approach to world
beauty practices, from the earliest experiments in plastic surgery
in 600 B.C. to contemporary practices Gives readers a
representative overview of beauty practices around the globe
Documents how from cosmetics to clothing, exercise to body
modification, being beautiful is a goal worldwide Identifies
numerous authoritative sources of information for further research
and reading
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