‘Om gezondheid, jeugdige kracht en schoonheid, in al de tijdperken des menschelijken levens te behouden.' Lichamelijkheidsrepresentaties in Nederlandstalige negentiende-eeuwse etiquetteliteratuur.
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2024-03-15
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nl
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The study of body etiquette reveals a deep connection to class and gender differences. Body etiquette, inextricably linked to societal norms and expectations around physical display, served as a mechanism to reinforce existing power dynamics. Within body etiquette, however, the emphasis on perpetuating power dynamics seems subordinate to the authors’ desire to regulate behavior. Body etiquette was used to shape behavioral prescriptions and to reinforce societal ideals by presenting beauty as a moral virtue. This connection between appearance and morality created a compelling incentive for individuals to conform to prescribed behavioral norms, as deviation was associated with social stigma. However, the discourse on body etiquette went beyond appearance to include health considerations. Authors emphasized the intrinsic link between physical well-being and beauty, and argued that adhering to health guidelines was essential for achieving attractiveness. This nuanced relationship between beauty and health highlights the complexity of nineteenth-century attitudes toward the body.
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Faculteit der Letteren