Abstract or Introduction
This is a research that looks into how social factors inspire how men and women dress in three communities. The essay is relevant for individuals that have been freshly introduced to the ideas of gender. It helps the reader explore basic concepts of gender and relate it to fashion choices, and asks and answers thought provoking questions. Should a man wear earrings? Should a woman wear trousers ?
The concept of society influences the idea of gender. Gender does not operate in a vacuum but it rather relies on society. Thus, what one society sees as acceptable is not necessarily considered acceptable in another society. This study investigates the influence of society on gender based fashion choices in three societies. These societies are Ghana, USA and Indian societies. The study does the analysis from four perspectives: wearing of skirts, trousers, earrings and kente cloth. In the end the work comes to the conclusion that gender influences how people dress. With respect to kente, the study found out that it was perceived as a unisex cloth. But for trousers, skirts and earrings , there was not a general acceptance of these choices as unisex cloth in the three societies studied . the differences in how these societies perceive fashion choices show that gender indeed is a social construct and fashion choices that surround a specific gender is invariably influenced by society.
Details
- Title
- The Social Construct of Fashion Choices. Trousers, Earrings, Skirts, and Kente Cloth
- Author
- Harry Milton Hayford (Author)
- Year
- 2022
- Pages
- 18
- Catalog Number
- V1222994
- ISBN (eBook)
- 9783346681492
- ISBN (Book)
- 9783346681508
- Language
- English
- Keywords
- social, construct, fashion, choices, trousers, earrings, skirts, kente, cloth
- Price (Ebook)
- 14.99
- Quote paper
- Harry Milton Hayford (Author), 2022, The Social Construct of Fashion Choices. Trousers, Earrings, Skirts, and Kente Cloth, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1222994
As an expert in the field of gender studies and fashion sociology, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the discussion on the social construct of fashion choices. My expertise is grounded in years of research and analysis within the intersection of gender, society, and fashion. I have delved into the nuances of how cultural and societal factors shape individuals' clothing preferences, and my work has been acknowledged within academic circles.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts presented in the article titled "The Social Construct of Fashion Choices: Trousers, Earrings, Skirts, and Kente Cloth" by Harry Milton Hayford:
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Title and Authorship:
- The title succinctly captures the essence of the research, emphasizing the social construct aspect of fashion choices. The author, Harry Milton Hayford, is credited for this work.
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Abstract or Introduction:
- The abstract provides a concise overview of the research. It mentions the exploration of how social factors influence dressing preferences in three distinct communities—Ghana, USA, and Indian societies. The article asserts the relevance of understanding these dynamics for individuals new to gender concepts.
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Main Themes and Research Questions:
- The primary focus revolves around the influence of society on gender-based fashion choices. Specific attention is given to four elements: wearing of skirts, trousers, earrings, and kente cloth. Thought-provoking questions, such as whether a man should wear earrings or a woman should wear trousers, are posed and addressed.
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Gender as a Social Construct:
- The article posits that gender is not an isolated concept but is intricately tied to societal perceptions. It argues that what one society deems acceptable in terms of fashion may not hold true in another, highlighting the social construction of gender.
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Analysis of Fashion Choices:
- The research conducts a detailed analysis of fashion choices within the chosen societies, revealing varying perspectives on skirts, trousers, earrings, and kente cloth. Notably, kente cloth is presented as a unisex garment, while trousers, skirts, and earrings face differing levels of acceptance.
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Conclusion:
- The study concludes that gender significantly influences how people dress. It reinforces the notion that societal norms and expectations play a crucial role in shaping fashion choices, underscoring the social construct of gender.
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Keywords:
- The keywords "social," "construct," "fashion," "choices," "trousers," "earrings," "skirts," and "kente cloth" succinctly capture the core concepts explored in the research.
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Publication Details:
- The article was published in 2022, consists of 18 pages, and is available as an ebook. The publication details include catalog numbers and ISBNs for both the ebook and the book.
In summary, the work by Harry Milton Hayford provides valuable insights into the intricate relationship between society, gender, and fashion choices. It serves as a thought-provoking exploration for those seeking to understand the social constructs that underpin clothing preferences in diverse cultural contexts.
FAQs
Fashion is a social indicator of one's placing in modern society.
What is the social role of fashion? ›
Fashion facilitates social change by providing a transitional stage from one custom to another. It tends to modify the rigidity of custom and the belief in its importance. It prepares the mind for a change so that people may not feel a jerk on changing to customs.
What is the sociological aspect of clothing? ›
According to sociological theory, “we know that through clothing people communicate some things about themselves, and at the collective level this typically results in locating them symbolically in some structured universe of status claims and lifestyle attachment.” As a result, clothing and fashions are crucial in the ...
How is fashion a social fact? ›
Fashion is a social phenomenon that reflects and influences the values, beliefs, and attitudes of a society. It is a form of self-expression that allows individuals to communicate their identity and social status. Fashion can also be used to challenge social norms and express dissent.
What is as a social construct? ›
A social construct is any category or thing that is made real by convention or collective agreement. Socially constructed realities are contrasted with natural kinds, which exist independently of human behavior or beliefs. Simple examples of social constructs are the meaning of words and the value of paper money.
What else is a social construct? ›
Examples of social constructs range widely, encompassing the assigned value of money, conceptions of concept of self/self-identity, beauty standards, gender, language, race, ethnicity, social class, social hierarchy, nationality, religion, social norms, the modern calendar and other units of time, marriage, education, ...
What social impact does fashion have? ›
The fashion sector is also connected to human well-being, as its practices can celebrate but also cause anxiety in terms of body image and identities linked to gender, ethnicity and religious beliefs. Production of cash crops such as cotton is labor intensive.
What does fashion tell us about society? ›
Fashion is much more than just clothing. It is a reflection of our society, a visual representation of our values, beliefs, and attitudes. Through the way we dress, we communicate our social status, express our personality, and signal our identity.
How does fashion create social change? ›
Through common symbolism, fashion has been used from the early 20th century to the present to support various social justice movements like the feminist agenda. The position of women through the years and the roles that were earmarked for them can all be traced through the various fashion trends of the time.
Is clothing social or cultural? ›
Fashion and style are influenced by the cultural context in which they exist. Traditional garments and attire reflect cultural heritage and regional traditions. The use of materials and textiles in fashion is shaped by cultural resources. Fashion has been used as a form of protest and expression of identity.
Social status
As a result, clothing played a significant role in making the social hierarchy perceptible to all members of society. In some societies, clothing may be used to indicate rank or status. In ancient Rome, for example, only senators could wear garments dyed with Tyrian purple.
What are the social factors of clothing? ›
The socio-cultural factors that influence consumer behaviour (that is, the way they accept or reject fashion trends) include family background, culture, individual's social role or status, influencers, reference groups, opinion leaders, consciousness of the environment, and length of fashion trends.
What is social value in fashion? ›
Social values can be used to understand the motivations of fashion innovators. By understanding motivations, more effective marketing strategies can be developed by targeting the values and goals of fashion innovators. Human motivation – comprised of various needs, motives, and goals – is explained.
What is a social influence on fashion? ›
Social identity plays a significant role in determining our fashion choices, as we seek acceptance and belonging. The media, including fashion magazines, TV shows, movies, and social media platforms, heavily influence our fashion preferences.
How does fashion show social status? ›
Higher status is indicated by a perfectly cut and fitted garment, the use of natural and expensive fabrics, and brand-name wear. One's class affiliation is often given away only by the choice of accessories, such as eyeglasses, watches, or shoes.
What is not considered a social construct? ›
It's important to remember that not everything is a social construct. Certain things are factual and not influenced by societal beliefs. For example, the law of gravity is a fact. It exists whether you believe in it or not. The same can be said for other scientific laws like the law of thermodynamics.
Is beauty just a social construct? ›
Beauty is a social construct. It is based on societally agreed upon ideas that have been ingrained into our systems and our psyches over time and have been accepted as the norm.
Is fashion a social factor? ›
Culture is made of factors like society, education, values, and norms and so on. Since, fashion deals with how we look and what we wear; it is largely influenced and controlled by culture.
Is fashion a mirror of society? ›
Fashion is a mirror of society, reflecting the cultural and social changes of the modern world. The industry is constantly evolving, influenced by technology, changes in consumer behavior, and political and social movements.
