We tried to use interdisciplinary methods, taking into consideration abilities and limitations of the tools we use. We turned mostly to critical discourse analysis and sociology (Survey, Focus group), with some anthropological and historical perspectives.
For our core work, we chose to define five time periods according to major historical events or technological advancements. The early-twentieth century, before consumption society, and in relation to the beginning of women's emancipation movements. The times of war: WWI and WWII, with a focus on WWII and the mobilisation of women at home. The post-war period, as a time of social reconstruction but also the early years of the golden age of TV. The end of the twentieth century, in a relative time of peace but also a time of liberalism, consumerism - the era of image and appearance. Finally our contemporary period, with its debates surrounding beauty standards and normativity.
For our core work, we chose to define five time periods according to major historical events or technological advancements. The early-twentieth century, before consumption society, and in relation to the beginning of women's emancipation movements. The times of war: WWI and WWII, with a focus on WWII and the mobilisation of women at home. The post-war period, as a time of social reconstruction but also the early years of the golden age of TV. The end of the twentieth century, in a relative time of peace but also a time of liberalism, consumerism - the era of image and appearance. Finally our contemporary period, with its debates surrounding beauty standards and normativity.
Our study is also supported by academic research. You will find in the 'References' tab a bibliography of our sources and readings. It is not exhaustive, as this is a widely discussed topic, but it contains the elements we used for our analysis, and some that we think are interesting for further research. For our study we looked at scholarly and scientific articles, books, but also online newspapers, videos, and other media that are today our mainstream ways of communicating and sharing.