I have recently been thinking of the difference in regards to the importance of beauty, between Asian and European societies (that I have the experience of living in). In certain European societies, the importance of appearance is rather diminished in some contexts or even demonised, thought of as superficial, skin deep and not going together with brains. On the other hand, in many Asian societies it is openly expressed and believed that a beautiful face can bring fortune, a good future, better chances in life etc. Hence the increase in plastic surgery in those countries.
Date: Thursday, October 9, 2014 14:15-16:00
Venue: SFI - The Danish National Centre for Social Research, Herluf Trolle Gade 11, 1052 CPH K >>
Related to this topic, there is an upcoming open lecture by Catherine Hakim at NIAS in Copenhagen (that unfortunately I cannot attend) on October 9.
The lecture is called "Erotic Capital in the Northern European and Asian Context". I copy paste from the event the following:
<< NIAS - Nordic Institute of Asian Studies and the Centre for Stratification Research at Copenhagen University invite you and others in your network to an open lecture by Catherine Hakim on 'Erotic Capital in the Northern European and Asian Context'.
Thursday, 9th October 2014 at SFI - The Danish National Center for Social Research.
Thursday, 9th October 2014 at SFI - The Danish National Center for Social Research.
Catherine Hakim is a renowned British sociologist and the mind behind the concept Erotic Capital:
"Erotic capital is the unacknowledged but powerful personal asset that counts just as much as educational qualifications for success in jobs, politics, media, sport and the arts. It is a combination of physical and social attractiveness that is just as important as economic, human and social capital for success in all areas of public life, as well as in private romantic and sexual relationships. Like money, attractiveness is transportable, instantly recognisable, so is more universally valuable than qualifications, for example.
"Erotic capital is the unacknowledged but powerful personal asset that counts just as much as educational qualifications for success in jobs, politics, media, sport and the arts. It is a combination of physical and social attractiveness that is just as important as economic, human and social capital for success in all areas of public life, as well as in private romantic and sexual relationships. Like money, attractiveness is transportable, instantly recognisable, so is more universally valuable than qualifications, for example.
Attractive people earn more, have more friends, get more co-operation and support and achieve goals more easily both in public and private life. Doors open for them. In her bold and eye-opening book (Honey Money in Europe and Erotic Capital in the USA), renowned sociologist Catherine Hakim reveals the power and steadily-growing importance of erotic capital in our winner-takes-all societies and challenges the disapproval meted out to women and men who use sex appeal to get ahead.
During the lecture Hakim also presents evidence that beauty and elegance are valued more highly in Asian cultures (such as Thailand, China and Japan) than in the dominant Puritan Anglo-Saxon culture of northern America and northern Europe that has traditionally disparaged beauty as superficial and even dangerous or sinful.
Hakim sets out the three social and economic developments that make appearance and style more influential today than they ever were in the past: the increasing importance of white-collar and service work, rising affluence that allows people to seek luxuries, and the ubiquity of digital photographs in the media, on the internet, and on social networking sites."
During the lecture Hakim also presents evidence that beauty and elegance are valued more highly in Asian cultures (such as Thailand, China and Japan) than in the dominant Puritan Anglo-Saxon culture of northern America and northern Europe that has traditionally disparaged beauty as superficial and even dangerous or sinful.Hakim sets out the three social and economic developments that make appearance and style more influential today than they ever were in the past: the increasing importance of white-collar and service work, rising affluence that allows people to seek luxuries, and the ubiquity of digital photographs in the media, on the internet, and on social networking sites."
Date: Thursday, October 9, 2014 14:15-16:00
Venue: SFI - The Danish National Centre for Social Research, Herluf Trolle Gade 11, 1052 CPH K >>
If any of you go, please keep me updated or pm me about it!
We like to think of ourselves ("western", European, etc) as rather logic driven, scientific minded and pragmatic, but what if the Asian mindset of accepting the importance of appearance is even more pragmatic, holistic and down to earth?
I don't know if it's unfair, sad or good or just natural, but it definitely is something to think about.