Chapter 1
In the first chapter of The Beauty Myth, Naomi Wolf explains the myth and its social implications as she has experienced it first-hand. She argues that women’s beauty and their “objectification” by society is really a form of control and oppression, and she offers examples of how this happens. She gives the example of the diet industry, which exploits women's insecurities to make money and emphasizes the importance of being thin and youthful at all costs, while ignoring underlying health factors. Wolf argues that this beauty myth has become an opiate for women, preventing them from seeing the real causes of their pain and dissatisfactions, such as inequality.
Chapter 2
In the second chapter, Wolf pours into further detail the ways that the Beauty Myth is a form of social control, perpetuated through modern media. Wolf explains that modern media keeps a woman in perpetual anticipation of her ideal and unattainable “package,” from her hairstyle and nails to her clothing and accessories. She argues that these unrealistic standards of beauty are used to control women and to keep them from asserting their power in other areas. Wolf gives examples of ads, movies, and magazines that reinforce these unrealistic standards.
Chapter 3
The third chapter of The Beauty Myth focuses on how the beauty myth oppresses women economically, socially and politically. Wolf begins by introducing the concept of lookism and how it is used to keep women in low-paying jobs and to keep them from achieving their full potential. Wolf also explains how the beauty myth reinforces sexism and has been used to “feminize” certain jobs that were traditionally thought of as “male” jobs. Furthermore, Wolf explores the notion that outer beauty is seen as a sign of inner beauty and virtue, and how this has been used to keep women from being taken seriously in the public sphere.
Chapter 4
In the fourth chapter, Wolf discusses the history of the beauty myth, which she believes has been in existence since the days of Ancient Greece. She compares the modern beauty myth to the ancient Greek concept of kallimorphism, which equates physical beauty with perfection. Wolf gives examples of how this myth is used in apothegms and symbols throughout cultural history. She also offers an example involving the kind of modern matriarchy associated with television where, while men of all body types are accepted, women are only accepted if they fit the “ideal”.
Chapter 5
The fifth chapter of The Beauty Myth focuses on how the beauty myth has been used to stop the progress of feminism. Wolf starts by introducing the concept of “feminine fascism” and how it is used to keep women in their place. She points out that, while women are to be seen as valuable individuals, they must adhere to certain artificially created standards of beauty or else they are considered to be inadequate. Wolf also explains how women are judged by their appearance at all times and are not taken seriously in the work place.
Chapter 6
In the sixth chapter, Wolf addresses the psychological implications of the beauty myth, focusing on how it reinforces self-hatred and keeps women from recognizing their own potential. Wolf begins by discussing the concept of “self-loathing,” which often comes from the pressure to look a certain way. She also talks about the idea of “internalization of the beauty myth” and how it can cause a woman to feel worse about herself. Wolf argues that this can lead to depression, eating disorders, and other health issues.
Chapter 7
The seventh chapter focuses on the psychological implications of the beauty myth with regard to relationships and sexuality. Wolf argues that the beauty myth is used as a form of control in relationships, and that men are conditioned to objectify women and to expect a certain type of beauty. She also argues that the beauty myth has a strong effect on a woman’s self-esteem, which can lead to her being dissatisfied with herself and her relationships.
Chapter 8
The eighth chapter focuses on how the beauty myth can be deconstructed and challenged. Wolf argues that women need to reclaim their power and value and to understand their own strength. She recommends that women should reject the ideals of the beauty myth and focus on their own accomplishments and strengths. Wolf also recommends that women should learn to celebrate their own bodies, accept their bodies, and resist the objectifying gaze of the media.
