The Beauty Myth is a work that criticizes the suggested appearance of women in public, and how sharp contrasts in the style of men versus women's dress came to be. The book most strongly emphasizes the fact that the way women are supposed to act and dress in society has come from their increased presence in the public and in the workplace, and there are still remnants of Victorian Era behaviors in today's world.
The standard of beauty, Wolf argues, is something that is based on what women used to be known for - that is, being mothers, household helpers, and bystanders. These traits, when assigned exclusively to women, are devaluing. Still, what makes a women beautiful by today's standards, according to Wolf, has been almost completely shaped by these guidelines.
What makes a person beautiful is what's inside, not out. This statement hold especially true for Wolf's argument that a woman's behavior is very stereotyped and, therefore, expected. "Ladylike" is a term that is frequently thrown around, but what does it really mean? When you come to think about it, all of the things that make someone "ladylike" are overemphasized and, for the most part, unnecessary. Of course, Wolf is not saying that women can act inappropriately just because of this, but it she does explain how societal customs are heavily gender biased.
By the end of the book, Wolf explains that feminism, especially strong versions of it, are needed to change the way that women are viewed in society. Although this upsets a world dominated by men, women must fight for their freedom. The Beauty Myth is a book that not only gives the background of a discrimination problem, but also calls for a solution. Today, many women still support Wolf's ideas, and equality in the workplace and ridding societal norms is becoming more common.
