Functions of dress and adornment Flashcards
The four main theories for wearing clothing
Modesty, immodesty, adornment and protection
Modesty Theory
The modesty theory suggests that people first wore clothing to cover or conceal the “private” parts of the human body.
Modesty is believed
That this theory was derived from
a Christian, biblical explanation of clothing-namely, that clothes were initially worn by humans (Adam and Eve) to cover nakedness because of instinctive shame.
Modesty Theory is based on the Idea
This is based on the idea that morality is dependent upon modesty, which is expressed through concealment of body parts.
Modesty is learned and varies
Modesty is learned and it varies with cultural differences, from one historical period to another and from situation to situation.
Immodesty Theory
Based on the theory that human beings not only cover their bodies, but also display them to attract others.
Immodesty it is believed that
It is believed that individuals may have first worn clothing in order to attract attention to, rather than to conceal their sexual organs. Therefore immodesty is the reason for wearing clothes.
Immodesty Theory is based on
This theory is based on the doctrine that familiarity breeds indifference, while concealment breeds interest.
Immodsty Example
For example, men in the Middle East wear a veil to cover the mouth, which is considered to be as erotic as the sexual organs. (Give own example)
Adornment Theory
Adornment or ornamentation is the initial reason for wearing clothes. It is believed that human beings wear clothing because of the decorative nature of clothing and other forms of appearance modifications, for purposes of display, attraction or aesthetic expression.
Adornment is believed that
People evolved from merely decorating their bodies to wearing clothing. Once they started wearing clothing, they realized its functional advantages. Even tribes that did not wear clothes had some form of body decoration prevalent.
Adornment Why we decorate our bodies?
We decorate our bodies for self- extension for self-enhancement and to be sexually attractive. (Give own examples)
Protection Theory:
Based on the theory that clothes protect humans from the environmental elements, animals and supernatural forces.
Physical Protection
Using clothing as protection from the elements such as harsh weather conditions, as well in occupations that require contact with dangerous substances or dangerous working environment, example, helmet during construction of buildings (Give own example).
Psychological Protection
Using clothing as protection from evil spirits or as a lucky charm, (Give own example).
Example Modesty: Cultural Differences
Different cultures have different ideas about which parts of the body should be covered. In certain Eastern countries it is quite acceptable for a woman to expose her midriff, but her legs must be covered. In some parts of the world there are groups of people who have never worn clothes and are not self-conscious about being naked. Others may be deeply ashamed of their thighs, but may not consider that exposing the female breasts as immodest. A man from the Tuareg tribe in North Africa will never expose his mouth – he wears a veil, even when sleeping or eating
Example Modesty: Historical Differences
For the European and American women of the nineteenth century even the exposure of the ankle was unacceptable, but in the 1920s and the late 1960s it was fashionable to expose the knees and thighs.
Situational differences
Example Modesty: Situational Differnces
In certain situations, such as at the swimming pool, we are also prepared to expose far more than if we were out shopping.
Examples of Adornment
The padded shoulders in a business suit may give the wearer a feeling of authority.
Example of Protection : Physical
An astronaut wears a spacesuit for protection, and people wear coats and umbrellas to protect themselves from cold and rain.
Example of Protection: Psychological
People often have “lucky clothes”, such as a favourite jersey or dress or even a good-luck charm, that they firmly believe will bring them luck or protect them from evil.
In a traditional tribal setting, warriors often wore the skins of animals or painted their faces to protect themselves or scare their enemies. In the Far East, brides wear red to ward off evil spirits.
