The Ideal Man and Woman: South Korean Children's Body Image Perceptions. (22nd September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Han, Tae‐Im; Kim, Hwewon
• Is Part Of: Family and consumer sciences research journal. Volume 49:Number 1(2020:Sep.)
• Page Start: 24
• Page End: 36
• Publication Date: 2020-09-22
• Subjects: body image -- children -- female ideal -- kindergarten -- male ideal; Home economics -- Periodicals; Home economics -- Research -- Periodicals; Families -- Periodicals; 640
• DOI: 10.1111/fcsr.12370
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1077-727X

Abstract

Abstract : This study examined the ideal man and woman as described by kindergarteners in South Korea and assessed gender differences in body image perceptions. A mixed‐methods approach was employed by analyzing qualitative and quantitative data obtained from 189 children. Depiction of the ideal woman was more appearance‐focused than that of the ideal man. Furthermore, girls were more influenced by Western standards of physical attractiveness and had greater levels of appearance dissatisfaction and weight concerns than boys. By examining children's perception of gender ideals and body concerns, gender identity development in early childhood and awareness of appearance‐related social pressure can be better understood.