Cross-cultural differences in maternal evaluation of children's body shapes

Article Abstract:

Girls with slimmer figures were considered more beautiful by mothers from the UK and the Mediterranean than by mothers from South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa or the Caribbean areas out of a sampling of 131 mothers. UK mothers opine that a slimmer body shape is more attractive for both boys and girls while the Mediterranean mothers feel that a slimmer body shape is healthier only for girls. However, the body shape of the children and the mothers are similar in all cultural groups. This suggests that the difference in attitudes is related to cultural influences rather than to individual differences.

Body image, Cross-cultural studies, Cross cultural studies, Mothers

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Racial differences in body type preferences of men for women

Article Abstract:

Euro-American men prefer thinner women compared to African American men in a comparison of 179 men. This increases the pressure on Euro-American women to remain thin. However, the men from both the groups prefer thinner rather than heavier figures. This suggests that the greater incidence of obesity and lower rate of eating disorders in African American women are due to less pressure to lose weight rather than pressure to gain weight. Other factors such as influences of other women, play a role in the maintenance of body shape.

Body weight, African American men, European Americans

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Racial differences in women's desires to be thin

Article Abstract:

A survey of 190 black and white James Madison University students of both genders revealed a higher prevalence of eating disorders in white women as a consequence of their obsession with their perceived ideal, thin body shapes. White women faced societal pressures in the form of white men's disregard for heavier body shapes in women, thereby forcing them to be more concerned about their weight and dieting.

Health aspects, Leanness, White women

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