Free Essay

How Fashion Has Reflected the Changes in Society

In:

Submitted By chaihawkins
Words 1429
Pages 6
How Fashion Has Reflected the Changes in Society

INTRODUCTION
Change is a theme that is ever-present in our culture and society. Often this change is reflected in the dress of its people. From the fashionable silhouettes of the 1920’s to the colorful 60’s, hip-hop look of 90’s up to the modern twist of today, social change and change in fashion has, in theory and practice, been linked. According to ask.com, Fashion can be defined as a prevalent style by a particular group at a particular time, and, therefore, may be linked to a specific cultural and historical context in which there is general acceptance of a given style or look
Change in fashion was a direct result of class struggle or that it resulted from the need for the elite to maintain their distinction from and superiority over the masses. This, then, produced a “trickle-down” effect (Kaiser, the Social Psychology of Clothing) whereby the elite were constantly adopting new styles in order to maintain their distinction once the lower classes began to imitate them.
In the past, it was rare for the poor to have new clothing, making it a most valued possession if they have one. Cloth even became a product of such great value that it became its own form of currency and was used as payment for services. There was also a tendency for social classes to imitate those directly above them in order to move up the social ladder and to be accepted.
Throughout history the tensions and societal relationships that exist between different social groups has been reflected in their dress. Even today, fashion continues to impact the society's views on status through the clothes and adornments that is expected they will wear. It impacts on how you feel about yourself as well as the level of living. Although it is suggested to not allow fashion rule one’s life or their world must not revolve around trendy, stylish objects yet it is inevitable for fashion has had a significant role in our culture and continues to do so today.
The Goal of this study is to identify the negative effect fashion makes in the society and to the individual who are obsessed with it. To create a solution that can change Fashion industry’s portrayal of beauty and to change the perception of people towards fashion so that they can create a better outlook of themselves without depending too much on it.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
People think fashion is so important because they always want to look good. Aside from looking good it also makes a statement of their character, background, influence, status and standards. Everybody wants to look good, to look more beautiful, attractive and an eye catcher and wearing trendy fashionable clothes, jewelries, shoes and makeup can enhance a person’s appearance to pleasing. Aside from increasing ones physical aspect it also boosts confidence to ones outlook, and displays your status in society. People wearing the latest trends of famous brands are seen as dominant, wealthy and beautiful. And so the problem starts here, those in average and lower classes starts to replicate the trend and style of the wealthy spending too much time and money. Although it is wonderful to be able to wear fashionable things but it also has its cons to consider.
Fashion is a mass industry and the impact it has on modern society around the world is even greater. It impacts how you feel about yourself as well as the level of living. People who have nice clothes that cost money are rich. People who have clothes from a thrift store are poor. This also impacts the way people look and think about others that they do not know. It gives people judgment on others and also has an impact on a career level as well. But if we teach people as well as the industry to change their perception and depiction regarding fashion harmful effect on either may be avoided.
SOCIOLOGICALLY
Because of the fashion industries portrayal of beauty in advertisements, a value system that focuses on looks and external beauty is built by the men and women that are exposed to them (Sheehan 108). Although the word "fashion" is often used in a positive sense, the Fashion Industry itself may have some significant negative impacts. Many studies connect the exposure to such advertisements and media coverage of thin models to women with a negative self-esteem and issues with body image. The images of women that are presented by the Fashion Industry, especially in magazines, represent an image that is nearly impossible to achieve. As a result, many women and even men turn to eating disorders in hope to become the image of beauty that has been created for them by the Fashion Industry and the media. So, it can be argued that sociologically, the Fashion Industry indeed has a negative impact on the values, self-esteem, and the perception of women and men such as listed below. factor 1. The youngsters deviate from their studies.
Youngsters who pay more attention to fashion are less attentive to their studies and when it comes to devoting time to their academic career, they seem to be less concerned. This very attitude and the role of fashion Magazines are harming the very basics of the student community and they start feeling that their life would reach a certain height if they involve their selves in the fashion activities. 2. Girls rank themselves with fashion.
Girls have started to decide who's who by what they wear, and if one doesn't have enough money to buy a certain piece of clothing and see it being worn around schools, then their self-esteems can be lowered to a certain degree, and can be seen as a target to bullies, making the situation worse. 3. Social Rejection
Addiction towards fashion can bring out unpleasant social rejection resulting from fashionable discrimination derive from both personal choices and strong economic factors. People who are afflicted with low economic status can easily be a part of this interesting discrimination and also so called social exclusion while the people who are called trendsetters can afford fashionable and mostly expensive clothes. On this subject, the necessity for clothing is exceeding and wanting rather than needing and fulfilling. It leaves to social gap that depends on appearance of people. 4. Debt.
The love for trendy clothes can also put you on debt either it will be through the credit card or IOU. The lack of money to purchase a desired dress can drive a person to obtain it through credit or any informal debt instrument which usually leads to accumulated debts and which makes it harder to pay.

5. Promotes a culture that is based solely on appearance.
The fashion industry encourages an unrealistic outlook for men and women in regards to their bodies and their looks. Women and men have gone to great extremes to mold their bodies into what the fashion world has decided is "perfect", often disregarding their health and well-being, just to look like the air-brushed, rail-thin models that the industry has deemed beautiful. They see models with unrealistic body shapes and think that to be beautiful and successful they too have to be unhealthily thin. They don't know how many models are throwing up the only calories their bodies receive on a daily basis. They don't understand that celebrities that are dressing in body-hugging clothes and see-through tops are purposefully dressing that way because sex sells. Girls are so obsessed with being popular and accepted that they are trying to bypass being a girl and instead are trying to rush into being a woman. 6. Discrimination towards bigger people

The Fashion Industry is also a major factor in dictating society's definition of beauty. We all see the thinner than thin models strutting the runway and the perfectly proportioned girls plaguing every magazine. What the Fashion Industry seems to scream: this world is only for the pretty people. Some designers only make small sizes of clothing, leaving some "bigger" people unable to barely even consider their product (Michero). Beauty is no longer a nice smile and great personality. Beauty has become full lips, peak physical condition, flawless skin, and a thin, proportional body

If we are confident with whom we are then we are confident in any style we wear without following the fashion industry. It wouldn’t matter if what we have on is outdated as long as we look nice and we feel comfortable wearing it.

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Changes

...Introduction The fashion industry has undergone many changes within textile production.. The Industrial Revolution began in Britain towards the end of the 18th century. The Industrial Revolution was changing domestic work into factory work, this was transitioning the world on a new innovative way on how to produce and manufacture clothes. The use of machinery were replaced the old use of hand crafting garments. During the 18th century production, distribution and acquisitions were developed and also the development of steam power, this showed how clothes move from country to country. Fashion was able to become accessible to a large number of consumers, allowing more people to get garments that were produced in the factories. Isaac Singer was the man who created the world’s first sewing machine in 1851, New York. The objective of this essay is to demonstrate how ‘Fashion has reflected Social, Cultural, Political, Economic and technological changes since the Industrial Revolution.’ This essay will include how Social and Cultural changes have been made since the Industrial Revolution. Main Body Social Changes and Cultural Changes. Before the industrial revolution came along, most goods were made in small, cramped workshops or in the comfort of people's homes. This was called the domestic system, Factories were commonly built near rivers, so that water power could be used to run the machines. People started to leave the country and the farms to go into the main cities...

Words: 437 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Fashion Changes 1920 to 1930

...The 1920s and 1930s was a decade of change in Amerike.1920's were a time of wealth and luxury, while the 1930s were more sober as the economy sank. Every decade has its own specific style of fashion, however, no matter how good or bad the times were. Both day and evening fashion for women and men reflected society's attitude towards the economy and the perception of the evolution of society Short hair stands throughout the decade. Women who keep their long locks pulled back at the nape of his neck in a chignon. Boy-like figure was the desired shape, and dropped waist hip. Hemlines gradually approached the mid of 1920's, when the famous "flapper" look became popular, the scars went down again, with jagged scars favored. Long necklaces - in particular, strings of pearls - were accessories of choice, and a tan or flesh colored stockings were popular. Red lips, dark eyes, skin and powdered finished 1920s feminine look. The most popular mod for working men in 1920 was a suit. This style has been immortalized in various characters, from Al Capone to F. Scott Fitzgerald. Men's fashion in the 1920s was heavily influenced by athletes and other famous people. Men generally want to look younger and more athletic and performs graceful white shirts under their suits. Hats, such as driving caps and hats were popular. Short fat ties worn for everyday looks, while the bow ties were popular for evening wear. During the 1930, more feminine style returned to form, emphasizing the chest, hips...

Words: 429 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

What Are The Fashion Trends In The 1940s

...Fashion was very prominent in the 1940s, during World War II because the economy was low and the fashion reflected so. While the men were off at war, the women were at home conserving fabric for the war. The result of this was shorter dresses for women. James Jarache picture depicts how the hems of the skirts went from being at the ankle to mid knee. This was a drastic change from what fashion previously looked like. This picture foreshadowed a lot of fashion trends that would come like the shorter skirts and pleaded shoulders. Shoulder pads then became an extremely popular and common trend in the 40s to give women a more masculine look due to how militant it was at the time. (Introduce the quote first) This style was so common, Life Magazine...

Words: 351 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Progressive Era Women

...up to the 1920s, a woman’s role in the United States was starting to change. The culture of the country was going through a major shift by way of the workforce, the prohibition, and the end of World War I. Parallel to these changes, women’s roles in society began to morph and expand along with women’s fashion. The suffrage movement was a huge step for women in history; it was a fight for political representation and the right for women to vote. After years of lobbying and fighting against the government, the nineteenth amendment was finally passed on June 4, 1919, ratified on August 19, 1920, and guaranteed all American women the right to vote. The new era of the roaring twenties jumpstarted a different view of women...

Words: 1641 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

The Perfect Body Media Analysis

..."The perfect body." What defines the perfect body? Through the mass media's consecutive collaborations with the fashion industry, they've undoubtedly justified that answer for you by instituting a society, which possesses the discouragement of one's self-confidence and reciprocated it into unrealistic standards. The media's concept of the ideal women's body isn't immovable. Over centuries women internationally have worshiped a variety of body types determined by societies morals of beauty. Each decade represents a new era of shockingly dramatic fluctuations from the hourglass figure of the 1950's to the meagre frame of the 1960's, encouraged by fashion icons such as Marilyn Monroe and Twiggy. Becoming a "size zero" has gone from a fad to an...

Words: 729 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Indivualistic Cultures

...is resistance, which occurs when we reject the beliefs of particular cultures or social communities. Resistance denies the value and validity of particular cultural styles. Participation: A final response to diversity is participation, in which we incorporate some practices and values of other groups into our own lives. More than other responses, participation encourages us to develop skills for participating in a multicultural world in which all of us can take part in some of each other’s customs. Reflected appraisal: The process of seeing ourselves through the eyes of others is called reflected appraisal, or the looking-glass self. The Generalized other: The second perspective that influences how we see ourselves is that of the generalized other. The generalized other is the collection of the rules, roles, and attitudes endorsed by the overall society and social communities to which we belong. In other words, the generalized other is made up of the views of society and social communities to which we belong. A secure attachment style: develops when a child’s primary caregiver responds in a consistently attentive and loving way to a child. In response, the child develops a positive sense of self-worth ( I am lovable) and a positive view of others( people are loving and can be trusted)People with secure attachment styles tend to be outgoing, affectionate, and able to handle the challenges and disappointments of...

Words: 989 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Power Dressing

...Abstract Clothing has the ability to convey social signals and perceptions to society. This paper explores the relationship between clothing and power, otherwise known as “Power Dressing”. This is a problem because it can enable power differences to occur and it uses past research to support and validate this issue. Overall findings suggest that individuals wearing professional attire in different social situations were perceived to be more competent, attractive, and can achieve greater business performance in comparison to individuals wearing casual attire. Keywords Social Perception, Power, Clothing, Fashion, Inequality Introduction Depending on the social status and mobility of an individual, clothing is relatively expensive. This is problematic because it may enable others to evaluate an individual based on their attire. An individual with low social mobility may not have enough funds to invest into the latest fashion trend in contrast to one with higher mobility. Consequently, power differences and inequality has greater potential to rise. Taking a deeper look into this problem, how individuals decide to dress has an immense impact on how they are perceived by others in society. Paying close attention to clothing details and having a strong fashion sense can effectively shape others perception on how much power they may possess. This is often...

Words: 1570 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Honorable Style in Dishonorable Times: American Gangsters of the 1920s and 1930s

...Beshears, Laura: Honorable Style in Dishonorable Times: American Gangsters of the 1920s and 1930s Journal of American Culture (33:3) [Sep 2010] , p.197-206. Honorable Style in Dishonorable Times: American Gangsters of the 1920s and 1930s Laura Beshears. The Journal of American Culture. Malden: Sep 2010. Vol. 33, Iss. 3;  pg. 197, 10 pgs Abstract (Summary) Prohibition, which came into effect in July of 1920 with the passing of the Eighteenth Amendment, also illustrated the progressives' idealism, as many believed that the elimination of alcohol, because it allegedly created "poverty, marital distress, and negligence," would cleanse society (Mordden 141). [...] the birth of the radio and the movies as well as the development of flight induced excitement and fostered a vision of a society engaged in perpetual technological advancement (Mordden 47). [...] Horatio Alger, Jr. and his late nineteenth-century books- portraits of men who, born underprivileged, rose to wealth and success through hard work, honesty, self-confidence, commitment, and a bit of luck (Weiss 53-54) - characterized the progressive spirit, as it encouraged people to work hard for a better future and for the fulfillment of the American dream. Full Text  (5892  words) Copyright Blackwell Publishing Ltd. Sep 2010 "You don't need to be ordering fancy duds," Frankie Rio advised his boss as a tailor took measurements of Capone's swollen physique at the Lexington Hotel. "You're going to prison. Why don't you...

Words: 6179 - Pages: 25

Premium Essay

Women In Zeitz's Book Flappers

...New Era, New Women The nineteen-twenties, a decade lavished with new styles, sex, and rebellion. These were the years of new beginnings and revolutions. The twenties were the years for change in women’s rights, becoming more independent, the ability to vote, and equal rights as men. Women were exploring beyond the conservative values into scandalous activities. There was a sense of freedom during this time period that has changed America. “…The emergence of a vibrant and highly visible youth culture where none had really existed before” (Zeitz 46). The book Flapper first introduces Zelda as Montgomery, Alabama’s “wild child” (Zeitz 13) she was often messed-around with many attractive young men in her town “…for a few hours of necking, petting, and drinking in secluded back seat venues” (Zeitz 14). It seems that Zelda and others like her began the flapper era, with their carefree spirit and sexual activities. Parents who were from the Victorian era, severely frowned upon premarital sex. This “New Woman” era greatly worried parents not knowing the whereabouts of their daughters. Young ladies were experimenting with multiple sex partners at the same time. As Zelda was waiting for Fitzgerald she fell back into her habits of sleeping around…until Scott finally got her to settle down. Fitzgerald questioned himself if he created...

Words: 1150 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Fast Fashion

...htm JFMM 8,4 ACADEMIC PAPER 362 Fashion change and fashion consumption: the chaotic perspective Ka Ming Law, Zhi-Ming Zhang and Chung-Sun Leung Institute of Textiles and Clothing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hunghom, Hong Kong Keywords Fashion, Consumers, Young adults, Social change Abstract Previous researches have considered that the impact of fashion change and fashion consumption is linear. Therefore, one reason was found as the ultimate source to explain why a fashion style/ trend was spread to the mass market. However, the existing market is complex and difficult to find out the holistic reason to explain fashion consumption. In this study, the chaotic perspective is taken into account to investigate the relationship between fashion change and fashion consumption. By using the grounded theory method, 33 in-depth interviews were conducted. A chaotic fashion consumption model is developed from the findings to explain how different fashions are consumed and rejected while fashion changes. It is found that the interaction of being fashionable, perceived fashionability and system participation affects the ultimate decision on fashion consumption. It is also found that a pattern can be traced to forecast the degree of fashion consumption even when the fashion change phenomenon is chaotic. Thus, it is similar to the principle of chaos theory that short-term prediction is possible in relation to the degree of fashion acceptance among consumers. Marketing implications...

Words: 5832 - Pages: 24

Premium Essay

Journal of Macromarketing

...chronicles the changes in the understudied and rapidly evolving male market segment using two related studies: (1) a content analysis of advertisements in fifty-one years of Sports Illustrated magazine and (2) an experiment involving age-based differences in consumer ad perceptions. Both investigate changing ad values and the ethnic diversity of ad models. Results indicate that the male market is becoming increasingly self-oriented in its values orientation as a result of broad societal changes and changing gender roles. Increasing use of black or African American models in key positions indicates a growing acceptance of minorities as representations of the ideal self among younger men, who express a preference for black or African American models. This finding speaks to the increasingly multicultural nature of society and the impact of minority celebrities on American culture. The results are indicative of the power of advertising in both reflecting and facilitating societal change. Keywords advertising, male market, societal change, ethnicity, gender, culture, macromarketing Introduction American men, as a cultural entity and market force, are undergoing rapid change. This metamorphosis is reflected in men’s increasing focus on their bodies (Alexander 2003; Pope, Phillips, and Olivardia 2000) and manifest in their shopping patterns (Salzman, Matathia, and O’Reilly 2006). Their approaches to specific product categories, including personal grooming and fashion products...

Words: 10179 - Pages: 41

Premium Essay

Shaping Nursing Practice

...1. What are the values that shape your nursing practice? A reoccurring value presented within our group reflected the basis of providing patients with high quality and continuous nursing care. A nurse must provide care beyond one's job description that’s tailored to each of their patients. Integrity is another important value that guides our practice. Nurses must respect a patient's choice and always keeping in mind the patient has the right to make individual choices (autonomy) and not be judged on them, but rather be guided by the nurse in their thought process. Respect is very important value to maintain in the one’s nursing practice because it's forms the basis of a good relationship between the nurse and the patient, which enables the...

Words: 683 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Paul Goldberger's Why Architecture Matters

...Throughout history, the evolution of humankind has been observed to thrive off of the idea of social structure to develop an existence of logic that invents controversial topics. This trend could be traced back as far as the Renaissance in relation to artists vs. artisans, or the uprising of mass movements pertaining to equality in recent decades, and especially in current events where anyone and everyone is concerned with whether or not, “You can’t sit with us.” –Mean Girls (2003) There has always been a line drawn in the multi-faceted socio-political realm, on to the linear plane that is life. But the visibility is nothing shy of vague. Paul Goldberger, an architecture critic for the New Yorker, published the book: “Why Architecture Matters”...

Words: 1281 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Moive and Culture

...This document is attributed to Jack Lule and Flat World Knowledge 8.2 Movies and Culture LEARNING OBJECTIVES 1. 2. Recognize how movies reflect cultural attitudes, trends, and events. Indicate how movies influence culture. Movies Mirror Culture The relationship between movies and culture involves a complicated dynamic; while American movies certainly influence the mass culture that consumes them, they are also an integral part of that culture, a product of it, and therefore a reflection of prevailing concerns, attitudes, and beliefs. In considering the relationship between film and culture, it is important to keep in mind that, while certain ideologies may be prevalent in a given era, not only is American culture as diverse as the populations that form it, but it is also constantly changing from one period to the next. Mainstream films produced in the late 1940s and into the 1950s, for example, reflected the conservatism that dominated the sociopolitical arenas of the time. However, by the 1960s, a reactionary youth culture began to emerge in opposition to the dominant institutions, and these antiestablishment views soon found their way onto screen—a far cry from the attitudes most commonly represented only a few years earlier. In one sense, movies could be characterized as America’s storytellers. Not only do Hollywood films reflect certain commonly held attitudes and beliefs about what it means to be American, but they also portray contemporary trends, issues, and...

Words: 4070 - Pages: 17

Premium Essay

Reid and Taylor

...Firstly, i would like to give special thanks to my teacher Mr. LOKESH JASRAI who give me such type of opportunities to write my own views and ideas on a particular topic so that i can increase my knowledge about this topic and i can represent myself as good as i can. Secondly i also thanks all my friends to help me to complete this project at every time. INTRODUCTION OF RAID AND TAYLOR T-SHIRTS: REID AND TAYLOR T-shirts are multi-functional garment worn by all age groups as innerwear and outerwear. They are simply constructed garments that consist of a front and a back, sleeves and a neckline. A few styles may also have pockets. Many styles are now considered unisex. Fashion maybe reflected in oversize styling, deep armhole, cutoff lengths and fitted body. Seasonal changes in T-shirts maybe reflected in sleeve length, color and fabric weight. Reversible T-shirts may be made with two layers of fabric. Plain T-shirts are often referred to as Blanks for the imprint market. Printed T-shirt, which appeal to both males and females, provide humor, ideas or interests. They provide identity through screen printed or heat transfer applications of lettering, logos and licensed designs. Designs provide intrinsic appeal beyond the intrinsic value of the garment. MARKETING MIX OF RAID AND TAYLOR T-SHIRTS: (PRODUCT, PRICE , PLACEMENT AND POSITIONING) PRODUCT: In simpler terms, product includes all features and combination of goods and...

Words: 1951 - Pages: 8