The good body: When big is better

Abstract

An important cultural question is, "What is a 'good'--desirable, beautiful, impressive--body?" The answers are legion; here I examine why bigger bodies represent survival skill, and how this power symbolism is embodied by behaviors that guide larger persons toward the top of the social hierarchy. bigness is a complex concept comprising tallness, boniness, muscularity and fattiness. Data show that most people worldwide want to be big--both tall and fat. Those who achieve the ideal are disproportionately among the society's most socially powerful. In the food-secure West, fascination with power and the body has not waned, but has been redefined such that thinness is desired. This apparent anomaly is resolved by realizing that thinness in the midst of abundance--as long as one is also tall and muscular--still projects the traditional message of power, and brings such social boons as upward mobility.

Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Association Between Obesity and Depression in Women

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Degree of Agreement between Weight Perception and Body Mass Index of Japanese Workers: MY Health Up Study

“…Today, this misperception can be related to a dynamic shift in the recognition of obesity. In the past, being fat was a symbol of wealth and health 27) . Thus, it is difficult for people to change the habits and routines that they think are good for them.…”

What women think about their husbands' opinions might influence women's body image: An explorative study

“…[15] In addition, in the past, being fat was a symbol of wealth and health. [16] This concept may still exist in some communities. The common belief in Iran, especially in rural areas, that many husbands prefer plump women may infl uence women's weight perception and preferences and decrease their motivation to lose weight.…”