Focus

Question 1

Explain the functions of clothing by stating 3 main factors.

Answer 1

Modesty
Protection
Decoration

Question 2

Modesty

Answer 2

It has been suggested that one of the reasons we cover our bodies with clothes is because we are ashamed of our nakedness but there is very little evidence to support this theory.

Question 3

Our concept of modesty is determined by:

Answer 3

Cultural differences
Historical differences
Situational differences

Question 4

Cultural differences

Answer 4

Different cultures have different ideas about which parts of bodies to cover.
Some eastern countries it is acceptable for a women to expose her midriff but her legs must be covered.
Some people in the world have never worn clothes before and are not self conscious about being naked.

Question 5

Historical differences

Answer 5

Historical differences in our standards of modesty. For the European and American women of the nineteenth century it was unacceptable to expose to the ankles but in the 1920 and late 1960’s in was fashionable to expose the knees and thighs.

Question 6

Situational differences

Answer 6

In certain situations like going to the swimming pool we are prepared to expose more than going to the shopping mall.

Question 7

Protection

Answer 7

Clothing can be worn as physical or psychological protection.
Boots to protect our feet when we go hiking in the veld.
People have lucky clothes that they firmly believe will bring them luck, like a t-shirt or even a locket. Far East brides wear red to ward of evil spirits.

Question 8

Decoration

Answer 8

Experts consider that the decoration theory is the most valid.
We decorate our bodies for self-extension and self-enhancement. Not only do we wear clothes to look pretty for ourselves and for others, it can give us a sense of power.

We also decorate ourselves in order to be sexually attractive.