Body Image and Weight Concerns among African American and White Adolescent Females: Differences that Make a Difference

TLDR

Cultural factors influencing weight perception, body image, and style are examined, noting limitations of survey methods for capturing cultural differences. The study investigates body image ideals and dieting behaviors in African American and White adolescent females. Data were collected via focus groups, individual interviews, and surveys. African American females were more flexible in their beauty concepts and promoted a “make what you’ve got work for you” attitude, whereas White adolescent females expressed body dissatisfaction and rigid beauty ideals.

Abstract

The paper examines body image ideals and dieting behaviors among African American and White adolescent females. Data are drawn from focus groups, individual interviews, and surveys. African American females were found to be more flexible than their White counterparts in their concepts of beauty and spoke about making what you've got work for you. In contrast, many White adolescent females expressed dissatisfaction with their body shape and were found to be rigid in their concepts of beauty. Cultural factors which impact on weight perception. body image, and style are explored. Limitations of survey methodology for understanding cultural differences are discussed.