Body Modification

Perfect/imperfect; cultural values and the body

How the NHS funding of body modification reflects our attitudes and values towards the body…

To fund or not to fund??

Body modification and adornment is a universal culture. All civilizations have attempted to change their body in order to fulfil their cultural construct of beauty, religious and/or social obligations. Many activities in society involve intentionally harming one’s own body, such as tattoos, piercings, and cosmetic surgery. These are seen as acceptable ways to cope with feelings, and express emotions. If a woman is unhappy with her body, and wants bigger breasts, she can go to a doctor and have the operation done. Many other types of cosmetic surgeries are on the rise as well: liposuction, silicone implants in the lips and buttocks, and face lifts. All of these are only short- term solutions to a woman’s unhappiness with their appearance. They feel a sense of failure in not living up to the male-dominated cultures ideas of perfection. Last year, psychologists used computer generated composite images of about 60 different photographs of faces. They created the "average composite" from the most attractive faces and an "enhanced composite" with exaggerated features - bigger eyes and lips, higher cheekbones in the female group. The enhanced images were perceived to be the most desirable.

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Tattoos is more visible and difficult to hide may be less socially acceptable and more likely to represent resistance and individually. In contrast, another type of body modification and cosmetic surgery such as plastic surgery, Botox, Lasik and cosmetic dentistry are more acceptable in society. But how does the funding of these modifications reflect our attitudes and values towards them? To qualify for surgery on the NHS specific criteria must be met; this is usually set out by your local health authority. The NHS does not pay for surgery if the reasons are cosmetic alone, but will fund you if ...

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