Lookismus

Content

Why aren’t Black, fat, naked bodies—or people in wheelchairs—used in advertising in the media? Why do I need a body that is “beach-body ready”? Only recently have these forms of discrimination begun to be addressed under the concept of “lookism,” which has largely gone unnoticed and, until now, has been inadequately theorized within the established framework of discrimination concepts.

This new “-ism” seems necessary to recognize, identify, and describe another manifestation of power relations and structures of domination in the form of discrimination and regulation based on physical appearance and attractiveness. However, this emerging concept will have to demonstrate its suitability for both theoretical analysis and practical work.

This volume therefore not only provides an introduction to the concept of lookism but also seeks to further develop this still-young approach by examining its various facets and fields of application and relating it to other “-isms.” In addition, by critically addressing existing concepts of empowerment, it opens up practical perspectives.

“Reading this book offers more than just a good and worthwhile introduction to the subject. Above all, it makes clear why lookism needs to be discussed and criticized, as it has so far often played only a marginal role, even in feminist contexts.”

— Lisa-Marie Davies, Missy Magazine, March 29, 2017