Social, Cultural & Biological Influences
The societies we live in have strong beliefs and attitudes toward just about everything. Different groups within a given society adapt these beliefs, attitudes and behaviours. Our beliefs and attitudes toward our selves and our bodies are shaped in some way by these cultural influences. Our physical make-up and health also affect our feelings and behaviour.
The following information looks at positive and negative socio-cultural and physical influences, and how we can make healthy choices.
Q. Does the media cause eating disorders?
A. The media doesn't cause eating disorders but they send out the clear message that you should be thin. They keep showing or telling us certain lies about women, such as:
- Everyone can be thin.
- Only thin women's bodies are beautiful and sexually desirable.
- If you're thin you will be confident, successful, healthy and happy.
- You can't and shouldn't be happy with yourself unless your body looks exactly like the thin ideal.
The "beauty" and diet industries make more than $45 billion every year. They encourage us not to like our bodies or ourselves. Their profit depends on it.
When we believe that there is a real link between being thin, over-controlled about food and weight and being happy and successful, we are more likely to develop disordered eating.
As consumers, we need to look critically at the media and act. Just blaming the media is not the answer.
Related Links
Articles
- Ana & Mia: The Online World of Anorexia & Bulimia
- Body Beautiful/Body Perfect: Challenging the Status Quo: Where Do Women with Diabilities Fit In?
- Broadening Our Understanding of Violence Against Women: Lesbian Experience and Fat-Oppression
- Families and Eating Disorders
- Fat as a Therapeutic Issue: Raising Awareness in Ourselves and Our Clients
- Fundamentals of Feeding Children
- Messages from the Media
- The Control Paradox: Understanding and Working with Anorexia and Bulimia
- The Cult of Buff and Lean