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ARE MEN BECOMING MORE OBSESSED WITH THEIR IMAGE THAN WOMEN?
Written by Menswear Style in Trends on the 3rd July 2023
Historically, image consciousness has been stereotypically attributed more to women than men. From cosmetics and beauty products to fashion and body image, women were often the focus of societal scrutiny. However, recently there has been a significant shift in perceptions and attitudes. Men are now spending more time and resources on their physical appearance. Factors such as social media, men's grooming product advertisements, and the rise of fitness culture have all contributed to this shift, prompting the question, are men becoming more obsessed with their image than women? Let’s explore.
The Role of Social Media and Advertising
Social media platforms have a significant influence on our perceptions of beauty and fitness. Men are increasingly subjected to images of the 'ideal' masculine body - muscular, athletic, and impeccably groomed. On Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, fitness influencers, athletes, and models present an ideal that many men strive to emulate. The content often includes grooming and fitness tips, promoting a lifestyle focused on physical appearance and well-being. Similarly, advertising has also evolved. Men's grooming products have seen a substantial increase in market share, with companies producing advertisements that promote the narrative of men needing to maintain an attractive and youthful appearance. That being said, the flip side is that social media has given men access to resources and communities that help affirm their body image. Procedures and daily routines are explained, and men then understand what it might do to their self-perception, helping their mental image and physical image more closely align, making them happier. This is why hair transplants, teeth whitening, and even genital enhancement - click here to see - have become more and more popular. Men want to have a happier relationship with themselves.
Fitness Culture and Its Influence
Fitness culture has also been a game-changer. Gyms have witnessed a surge in male participation over the past decade. Exercise and bodybuilding trends are now as popular among men as they are among women, if not more so. Health clubs, CrossFit gyms, and even home workout programs market heavily to men, feeding the desire for a fit, muscular physique. Popular diets and wellness trends further emphasise this focus on body image. In fact, if you check out this dentist Vineland, they'll tell you that the number of men who visit their clinic for dental treatments has increased.
Are Men Really More Obsessed?
While it is clear that men are becoming more focused on their image, it is essential to note that this doesn't necessarily mean they are more obsessed than women - although recent research unearthed men seem to be becoming more concerned with their image than women. Both genders face societal pressures to look a certain way, and the increasing focus on men's appearance does not diminish the image pressures women have long faced. It is not a competition; it is a societal issue that affects all genders. There is a growing emphasis on physical appearance among men, influenced by social media, advertising, and fitness culture. Men are undoubtedly becoming more image-conscious, but whether this translates into being more obsessed than women is debatable. It's vital to consider that societal pressures affect everyone, regardless of gender. The key takeaway is to promote a healthier understanding of body image that doesn't hinge on unrealistic ideals. Understanding and embracing individuality and diversity in appearance is what we should strive for.
Are men becoming more obsessed with their image than women? #style
— Menswear Style (@MenswearStyle) July 3, 2023
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