• This/That: Women and Shaving: The Cultural History Behind Beauty Norms

  • Feb 20 2025
  • Length: 20 mins
  • Podcast

This/That: Women and Shaving: The Cultural History Behind Beauty Norms

  • Summary

  • The provided text explores the history of women's leg and underarm shaving, tracing its evolution from a largely irrelevant practice in pre-20th-century Western societies to a widespread norm driven by changing fashion trends and targeted marketing. The analysis highlights how advertising campaigns effectively linked hair removal to ideals of femininity, hygiene, and modernity, creating a strong cultural association that continues to influence contemporary perceptions. However, the text also acknowledges the emergence of counter-movements advocating for body positivity and challenging traditional gendered grooming expectations. Ultimately, the piece examines how cultural norms, economic factors, and evolving gender roles intersect to shape personal grooming choices.
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