a safe landing and a brief note on theory.

I landed in London at 8am GMT safe and sound.  After a short power nap (okay, 3 hours long) at my hotel, it was off to explore the city.  I packed a lot of sight-seeing into 6 hours of walking streets and eating delicious food, but now the jet lag has finally caught up to me.  Though it's nearly 11pm here, it's only 5pm back home -- time for everyone to be enjoying the weekend! 

I’m certain this won’t be the most entertaining post (unless you really love theory), but it’s highly relevant to understanding the basis for my research. I remember at one point in my life taking theory for granted, but it just seemed so lacking in practicality.  Now, though, I have fully developed an appreciation for theory and the strength it lends to research. This project is based largely in two theories: social comparison and objectification.

Social comparison theory – 

The basis of this theory is that people compare themselves to others through print media, film, or real people as a method of “measuring up” in society.  When we idolize someone, we are more likely to compare ourselves to them and are more likely to want to obtain some form of their image, regardless of its feasibility.  In this regard, an upward comparison (to someone of more status or attractiveness) may motivate behavior change to reach the desired body image.

Objectification theory –

            Rooted in social and gender roles, this theory posits that women develop views of themselves based on observations of media images and their life experiences.  These experiences shape the women women analyze and self-evaluate their bodies, which often may not meet social definitions of beauty.  Once again, striving to reach an idealized image of beauty may lead to use of disordered eating behaviors as women view each other as objects rather than people.