ch 6- sexuality, sexual identity & dress

Question 1

what is modesty?

Answer 1

the covering of various parts of the body, that according to certain belief systems, have a sexual connotation if exposed in public

Question 2

the study of indian women immigrants to the US

Answer 2

• some womens definition of modesty was challenged when coming to the US
  -body exposure was perceived differently between India and western dress (sari v crop top)

Question 3

modesty theory of clothing premise

Answer 3

modesty is a key motivation for developing and wearing clothing

Question 4

assumptions of modesty theory of clothing

Answer 4

-modesty is influenced by social, psychological and cultural factos
-people cover body parts out of shame or desire to confomr to societal norms
-modesty is a learned behavior
-norms of modesty vary across cultures, and change over time

Question 5

modesty paradox

Answer 5

clothing often reveals while it conceals

Question 6

concept of shifting erogenous zones

Answer 6

fashion changes the focus to different parts of the body that are considered sexy or desirable

Question 7

punk culture contibuting to sexuality

Answer 7

• vivienne westwoods store SEX (1974)
  -key elements: fishnets, ripped appearal, underwear as outerwear

Question 8

examples of sexualization of the female body

Answer 8

-suggestive clothing for young girls
-dress codes/ school uniforms are more restrictive for females

Question 9

dress codes objectifying the female body

Answer 9

• emphasizing the body and assuming sexual intent of clothing choices
• perpetuating stereotypes- victime-blaming mentality and gendered double standards
  -sexualizing nonsexual body features by policing innocuous clothing and stifling self expression
• reinforcing a power dynamic

Question 10

sexual identity

Answer 10

a personal understanding and social presentation of ones sexual orientation

Question 11

sexual idenity

Answer 11

who am I?

Question 12

sexual orientation

Answer 12

how am i attracted?

Question 13

signifiers of sexuality

Answer 13

slogan tshirts & pink triangles

Question 14

exploring queer womens expereince purchasing clothing and looking for clothing styles- findings

Answer 14

1. frustration and alienation with current fashion marketplace and media
2. dustress or subtle acts of heterosexism
3. interest in LGBTQIA-friendly shopping environments
4. attention of/awarness to queer styles

Question 15

negotiating gender norms

Answer 15

bisexual women may reject stereotypes/cultural gender norms to create their own aesthetics