Naomi Wolf's The Beauty Myth challenges societal standards of beauty, arguing they harm women. Critics praise its provocative analysis and compelling argument, although some believe Wolf's data and examples are occasionally flawed or overstated. Overall, the book is regarded as an influential and thought-provoking work in feminist discourse.

Readers who would enjoy The Beauty Myth by Naomi Wolf are often passionate about feminist theory, social criticism, and cultural studies. Comparable to readers of Betty Friedan's The Feminine Mystique and Susan Faludi's Backlash, these individuals seek to understand the impact of societal beauty standards on women's lives and empowerment.

Naomi Wolf's The Beauty Myth, first published in 1990 and republished in 2002 with an updated introduction, examines the societal and psychological controls exerted on women through the idealization of beauty. Through eight chapters—“The Beauty Myth,” “Work,” “Culture,” “Religion,” “Sex,” “Hunger,” “Violence,” and “Beyond the Beauty Myth”—Wolf explores how the unattainable beauty standard, driven by consumerism and patriarchal concepts, impacts women's identity, perpetuates discrimination, and fosters harmful practices like cosmetic surgery and eating disorders, undermining women's progress and equality. The book references disordered eating and intimate-partner violence.

Informative / Challenging / Contemplative / Unnerving / Emotional

Naomi Wolf

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Nonfiction

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Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore The Beauty Myth and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Beauty Myth Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Beauty Myth Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 1 The Beauty Myth Chapter 1 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 2 The Beauty Myth Chapter 2 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 3 The Beauty Myth Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 4 The Beauty Myth Chapter 4 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 5 The Beauty Myth Chapter 5 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 6 The Beauty Myth Chapter 6 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 7 The Beauty Myth Chapter 7 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 8 The Beauty Myth Chapter 8 Summary & Analysis

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Key Figures

The Beauty Myth Key Figures

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Themes

The Beauty Myth Themes

Index of Terms

The Beauty Myth Index of Terms

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Important Quotes

The Beauty Myth Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Beauty Myth Essay Topics

The Beauty Myth

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Beauty Myth?

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Book Details