First Advisor

Maura Kelly

Date of Award

5-24-2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Social Science and University Honors

Department

Social Science

Subjects

Cosmetics -- Public opinion, Women -- Identity, Feminism, Feminist theory, Third-wave feminism

DOI

10.15760/honors.792

Abstract

Feminists have long been stereotyped as disapproving of traditional forms of feminine expression, said to ascribe to a "'bra burning' Puritanism". And while this has been somewhat over exaggerated, there is some truth to the general feminist critique on traditional feminine accoutrements such as heels, lipstick, the color pink, etc. This is evidenced in seminal feminist works, such as "The Second Sex", "The Feminist Mystique", and from these works comes a profusion of anti-feminine sentiment. However, like many aspects of second wave feminism during the rise of the third wave, this conception of feminine expression was questioned and reformed. Second wave was criticized for being too restrictive, too white, too middle class. Thus ‘third wave’ feminism, as it is often referred to, placed emphasis on choice and on intersectionality. Due to these polarizing changes that have taken place within the feminist community over the last three or so decades, and due to wider social changes also relevant to feminine presentation, it is worth reevaluating the modern feminist perspective on feminine expression. 12 interviews were conducted with self identified feminist makeup users from the Portland area, aged between 19 and 28. From the subjective interpretations of feminism as well as subjective interpretations and habits each presented on makeup, it is concluded as a complex social object which cannot be deemed as inherently oppressive or empowering, but rather must be treated critically in relation the rest of the makeup users feminist habits.

Rights

In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/29102

Download

Share

COinS