Asian Eyes: Body Image and Eating Disorders of Asian and Asian American Women

Abstract

Attractiveness and beauty have been found to be the most important factors in prompting relationships and interactions, and for making social judgments. Standards of beauty in America, however, are primarily based on Caucasian-European-American ideals. Society is deluged with this beauty ideal constantly through media. People furthest from this ideal, specifically women of color, may suffer the psychological effects of low self-esteem, poor body image, and eating disorders. Research on body image and eating disorders has been exclusively conducted on white women; little research or conceptual work has included women of color. This paper sets a beginning foundation for understanding body image and eating disorders in Asian and Asian American women. In addition, the social-political image of Asian and Asian American women is addressed. Asian and Asian American women are victims of the “double jeopardy” of racism and sexism.