Is Fashion a Woman's Right?

Is Fashion a Woman's Right? PDF

Author: Carolyn Beckingham

Publisher: Liverpool University Press

Published: 2005-05-01

Total Pages: 287

ISBN-13: 1837642346

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Addresses the evidence for the belief that enjoyment of fashion is necessarily inconsistent with feminist values, from a feminist point of view. This book begins by establishing that many feminists hold this belief, and argues that disagreeing does not mean claiming that feminism was unnecessary or that it is rendered redundant by social mores.

Is Fashion a Woman's Right?

Is Fashion a Woman's Right? PDF

Author: Carolyn Beckingham

Publisher:

Published: 2014-09

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781845192136

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This book addresses the evidence for the widespread belief that enjoyment of fashion is necessarily inconsistent with feminist values, from a feminist (as opposed to a post-feminist) point of view. It begins by establishing that many feminists in fact hold this belief and argues that disagreeing does not mean claiming that feminism was unnecessary or that it is now rendered redundant by changing social mores. The author describes the historical background as applied to both men's and women's clothing in various cultures, including close reading of the function of clothes in the novels of the Bronte sisters, Thackeray and Dickens, through to the use of fashion as a call to arms for the early feminists, as well as later theorists like Susan Sontag and Naomi Wolf. Issues of personal freedom and political correctness, the claims that fashion makes women sex objects for men, and the charge that the subject is too trivial to merit serious discussion, are all challenged. Allegations of links between fashion and pornography are explored, and the disagreements between feminists on this topic set out. Finally, the issue of dressing for special occasions and whether this practice has a place in the modern world is addressed with candour. Is Fashion a Woman's Right? re-establishes the relationship between fashion and feminist values.

Reforming Women's Fashion, 1850-1920

Reforming Women's Fashion, 1850-1920 PDF

Author: Patricia A. Cunningham

Publisher: Kent State University Press

Published: 2003

Total Pages: 274

ISBN-13: 9780873387422

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This work focuses on the efforts toward reforming women's dress that took place in Europe and America in the latter half of the 18th century and the first decade of the 20th century, and the types of garments adopted by women to overcome the challenges posed by fashionable dress. It considers the many advocates for reform and examines their motives, their arguments for change, and how they promoted improvements in women's fashion. Though there was no single overarching dress reform movement, it reveals similarities among the arguments posed by diverse groups of reformers, including especially the equation of reform with an ideal image of improved health. Drawing on a variety of primary and secondary sources in the USA and Europe - including the popular press, advice books for women, allopathic and alternative medical literature, and books on aesthetics, art, health, and physical education - the text makes a significant contribution to costume studies, social history, and women's studies.

Women's Fashion and the Gender Equality Movement

Women's Fashion and the Gender Equality Movement PDF

Author: MAX EDITORIAL

Publisher: Max Editorial

Published: 2024-05-30

Total Pages: 57

ISBN-13: 1779713916

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Brief history of women's fashion and its role in society over the centuries. The beginning of the movement for gender equality and its relationship with fashion. Women's fashion is much more than just clothes and accessories; Throughout history, it has been a powerful tool for expression, affirmation of identity and reflection of the social values of each era. Since ancient times, women have used fashion as a form of non-verbal communication, conveying messages about their social position, status and even their aspirations. In this chapter, we will briefly explore the history of women's fashion and how it intertwines with the quest for gender equality. The history of women's fashion dates back to the beginnings of humanity, where the first signs of decorations and adornments already demonstrated a concern with appearance and the differentiation of social roles between men and women. As civilizations progressed, women's clothing became increasingly complex and diverse, reflecting the beliefs, values, and hierarchies of the societies in which these women lived. In the Middle Ages, for example, women's fashion was heavily influenced by religion and the social expectations of the time. Women's clothing was often exuberant, with tight corsets and voluminous skirts, symbolizing their position as a social ornament. However, this opulence was also a restriction, as fashion imposed limitations on women's mobility and comfort. With the emergence of the Enlightenment in the 18th century and the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, women's fashion underwent significant changes. The emphasis on reason and social progress led to a greater demand for practical and functional clothing. The so-called "Amazon costume" gained popularity, representing a break from the overly ornate dresses of the past. This period also saw the beginning of the suffrage movements, which sought women's right to vote and equal civil rights. In the 20th century, women's fashion witnessed a true revolution. The two World Wars had a profound impact on the way women dressed, as many took on traditionally masculine roles while men were at the front. This culminated in the emergence of the feminist movement in the 1960s and 1970s, which challenged gender norms and sought equality in many aspects of life, including fashion. In this context, fashion became a form of protest and political expression for many women. The wearing of pants by women, for example, was initially seen as an affront to social norms, but it soon became a symbol of female empowerment and the fight for gender equality. Since then, women's fashion has been a platform to express the diversity and complexity of female identities. Brands and designers have engaged in campaigns that promote inclusion, diversity and breaking gender stereotypes. The gender equality movement has driven the creation of clothing and accessories that transcend traditional norms and allow women to feel comfortable and confident in their own skin. Thus, women's fashion has evolved as a mirror of society, reflecting its transformations, struggles and achievements. The movement for gender equality and fashion are intrinsically linked, both seeking to deconstruct rigid standards and open space for women's freedom, autonomy and empowerment . Throughout this ebook , we'll explore how women's fashion and the gender equality movement influence each other, shaping and redefining our perception of femininity, empowerment , and equality. Learn Much More...

Reflecting Freedom

Reflecting Freedom PDF

Author: Eileen Gose

Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Published: 2017-02-22

Total Pages: 358

ISBN-13: 9781543133318

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This book has over 900 images, including over 300 in color. This book explores how women's struggle for social and political equality is reflected in their clothing. For example, were enormous hoop skirts, tightly laced corsets, controversial trousers, or revealing miniskirts simply fashion trends, or deliberate statements about societal values? Did soft, flowing feminine dresses, high heels, curls and pearls merely reflect popular changes in style, or instead, perhaps show a step back in women's equality? Historic images and other primary sources reveal an intriguing relationship between women fighting for their rights and their image reflected in the mirror. There are a multitude of books about women's fashions and numerous manuscripts addressing women's fight for rights. However, unlike other works, this book explores the relationship between the two topics, revealing the important meaning of specific changes in women's fashions. Other books deal with this subject primarily with a narrow focus, or only as a small part of the context; however, this book is exceptional because the entire work addresses the relationship between women's fashions and their struggle for equality--including the losses as well as the gains. And uniquely, this book explores the thesis in depth, and from the time of our foremothers up to the women of the millennium. This well-researched, thoroughly documented and thoughtfully written book will appeal to a popular audience. The authors used primary sources including hundreds of original photographs, postcards, advertisements, letters and speeches. Furthermore, the topics of female fashion and women's rights are examined within the context of society. Whether women were trapped in a crowded tenement building, lived behind a white picket fence or struggled to combine a career and a family, their lives were interconnected and influenced by events and attitudes in the community, the county and the world. Readers will realize how women's clothing measured their progress in the fight for equality and their place in the man's world.

Reflecting Freedom

Reflecting Freedom PDF

Author: Eileen Gose

Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Published: 2017-02-22

Total Pages: 358

ISBN-13: 9781522960508

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This book has over 900 images and explores how women's struggle for social and political equality is reflected in their clothing. For example, were enormous hoop skirts, tightly laced corsets, controversial trousers, or revealing miniskirts simply fashion trends, or deliberate statements about societal values? Did soft, flowing feminine dresses, high heels, curls and pearls merely reflect popular changes in style, or instead, perhaps show a step back in women's equality? Historic images and other primary sources reveal an intriguing relationship between women fighting for their rights and their image reflected in the mirror. There are a multitude of books about women's fashions and numerous manuscripts addressing women's fight for rights. However, unlike other works, this book explores the relationship between the two topics, revealing the important meaning of specific changes in women's fashions. Other books deal with this subject primarily with a narrow focus, or only as a small part of the context; however, this book is exceptional because the entire work addresses the relationship between women's fashions and their struggle for equality--including the losses as well as the gains. And uniquely, this book explores the thesis in depth, and from the time of our foremothers up to the women of the millennium. This well-researched, thoroughly documented and thoughtfully written book will appeal to a popular audience. The authors used primary sources including hundreds of original photographs, postcards, advertisements, letters and speeches. Furthermore, the topics of female fashion and women's rights are examined within the context of society. Whether women were trapped in a crowded tenement building, lived behind a white picket fence or struggled to combine a career and a family, their lives were interconnected and influenced by events and attitudes in the community, the county and the world. Readers will realize how women's clothing measured their progress in the fight for equality and their place in the man's world.

World Clothing and Fashion

World Clothing and Fashion PDF

Author: Mary Ellen Snodgrass

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2015-03-17

Total Pages: 1785

ISBN-13: 131745166X

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Taking a global, multicultural, social, and economic perspective, this work explores the diverse and colourful history of human attire. From prehistoric times to the age of globalization, articles cover the evolution of clothing utility, style, production, and commerce, including accessories (shoes, hats, gloves, handbags, and jewellery) for men, women, and children. Dress for different climates, occupations, recreational activities, religious observances, rites of passages, and other human needs and purposes - from hunting and warfare to sports and space exploration - are examined in depth and detail. Fashion and design trends in diverse historical periods, regions and countries, and social and ethnic groups constitute a major area of coverage, as does the evolution of materials (from animal fur to textiles to synthetic fabrics) and production methods (from sewing and weaving to industrial manufacturing and computer-aided design). Dress as a reflection of social status, intellectual and artistic trends, economic conditions, cultural exchange, and modern media marketing are recurring themes. Influential figures and institutions in fashion design, industry and manufacturing, retail sales, production technologies, and related fields are also covered.