Take note Flashcards
Functions of Clothing
(a) MODESTY: based on the theory that people first wore clothing to conceal their private parts. The theory was derived from a Christian biblical explanation of clothing that clothes were initially worn by human to cover their nakedness because of instinctive shame. This is based on the idea that morality is dependent upon modesty, which is expressed through concealment of body parts. However modesty is learned and it varies with cultural differences, from one historical period to another and from situation to situation. (Give one own example).
(b) IMMODESTY: based on the theory that human beings not only cover their bodies, but also display them to attract others. 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. This theory is based on the doctrine that familiarity breeds indifference, while concealment breeds interest. 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)
(c) ADORNMENT: Based on the theory that 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. The assumption is 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.
CLO3701/101/3/2016
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We decorate our bodies for self- extension for self-enhancement and to be sexually attractive. (Give own examples)
(d) PROTECTION: 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).
(a) MODESTY:
based on the theory that people first wore clothing to conceal their private parts. The theory was derived from a Christian biblical explanation of clothing that clothes were initially worn by human to cover their nakedness because of instinctive shame. This is based on the idea that morality is dependent upon modesty, which is expressed through concealment of body parts. However modesty is learned and it varies with cultural differences, from one historical period to another and from situation to situation. (Give one own example).
(b) IMMODESTY:
based on the theory that human beings not only cover their bodies, but also display them to attract others. 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. This theory is based on the doctrine that familiarity breeds indifference, while concealment breeds interest. 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)
(c) ADORNMENT:
Based on the theory that 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. The assumption is 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. We decorate our bodies for self- extension for self-enhancement and to be sexually attractive. (Give own examples)
(d) PROTECTION:
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).
Communication created through clothing behaviour
Group membership (√): example (√) Economic position (√): example (√) Status (√): example (√) Occupation (√): example (√) Age (√): example (√) Gender (√): example (√) Status (√): example (√)
