Society often places more value on a woman’s appearance than her character or accomplishments, creating pressure to conform to beauty standards.
In our society, it is becoming increasingly clear that social capital is not gained by what one does for others, how they carry themselves, their character, or their intellect, but instead by something much more superficial— their looks. In the 21st century, looks are the new currency. While beauty is subjective, it is no surprise that, in a society that upholds particular standards of beauty, some women who fit the necessary criteria are granted privileges that would otherwise not be afforded to women who are not considered “conventionally attractive.” Whether through the hyper-sexualization of women or through the beauty standards we are socialized to accept, women today are often fighting for recognition not just based on their individual accomplishments or character, but via their outward appearance.
This is especially apparent in the world of social media, where image is often prioritized over substance. Instagram and TikTok are filled with influencers who have gained significant social capital because of their looks, often overshadowing their talents or ideas. This growing trend perpetuates the idea that a woman’s value is tied to how she looks rather than what she has to offer intellectually or emotionally.
Even in professional environments, research shows that conventionally attractive women are more likely to be hired or promoted. This reinforces the importance placed on appearance and further exacerbates the pressure many women face to meet these standards. As a result, women are continually navigating a society where their worth is often judged by how they look rather than who they truly are.
This pervasive obsession with beauty is not only an issue of aesthetics but also a fundamental marker of one’s social value. Women who fulfill the standards of youthfulness, slenderness, clear skin, and facial symmetry are often granted privileges in spaces such as job opportunities, romantic relationships, and social acceptance. Those who fail to meet these standards, however, are not only excluded from these opportunities but are scrutinized and punished simply for differences in size, age, or race.
Nonetheless it’s true that societal advantages are given to those who adhere to the conventional beauty standards, which raises a critical question: Do women have worth outside their physical appearance? The obvious answer is yes. Women are complex, multidimensional beings with talents, intellect, and personalities that should not be reduced to mere aesthetics. Yet, in a society that has commodified beauty, it is increasingly difficult for women to receive respect solely for their brilliance and character. Instead, a woman’s value is often tied to how closely she aligns with societal beauty norms.
This phenomenon is not new. Throughout history, women have been reduced to their appearances as the patriarchy seeks to control and limit women’s agency. Even when excluded from political and academic arenas, women have worked tirelessly behind the scenes, leading grassroots movements, educating future generations, and inspiring cultures through their revolutionary ways of thought. However, the focus on beauty has often overshadowed these contributions. There are countless stories of influential women who have been forgotten because their outward appearances didn’t fit the mold. Worse still, women today fear that failing to compromise their sense of self will result in being invisible or disrespected in their professional fields.
The issue becomes even more pressing for those who fall outside of the Eurocentric beauty standard. Intersectionality exposes the additional struggles of women who are not white or wealthy, and who therefore lack access to resources such as better healthcare, cosmetic surgery, and personal styling— all of which are often seen as the key to achieving the idealized woman’s beauty. Being pretty is now a commodity that not everyone can afford, but every woman is expected to achieve. So, how can we navigate these societal pressures that disproportionately affect those already marginalized? Perhaps we should start by embracing women who are choosing to redefine beauty on their own terms. Activists, influencers, and ordinary women are challenging narrow beauty standards, creating opportunities for women to break free from a system that has held them hostage. For example, since the 1970s, Black women have advocated for a natural hair movement, encouraging Black women to embrace their curls and afros unapologetically, despite the societal pressures to straighten their hair.
Challenging these standards is not an easy feat, but it is a process that involves unlearning decades of socialization. After all, beauty is not the end-all of a woman’s existence. Our worth is not—and cannot be—defined by our looks. If anything, the future should belong to women who unapologetically refuse to be reduced to their physical appearance, and instead to those who recognize that their unique value goes far beyond the confines of a commodified standard.