Body Image

Whether it is plastic surgery, the rise of the ‘MUA’ or weight issues, body image is a great topic to investigate for a dissertation! Take a look at some of our suggestions below:

Example body image dissertation topic 1:

Differences in social acceptance of cosmetic surgery and the costs of such surgery: A comparative study of the UK and Brazil.

Globally, cosmetic surgery procedures – both invasive and non-invasive – are rising. Figures vary, but countries with a high rate of cosmetic procedures include the United States, South Korea, and Brazil; in contrast, the United Kingdom sees relatively few procedures undertaken. This thesis examines whether social acceptance of surgery is the primary factor in the difference in uptake of invasive plastic surgery between Brazil and the UK, or whether other factors, such as greater affordability, a national health system, high rates of medical insurance, differences in expectations of the roles of women, media portrayals of beauty, or other issues are at play. This paper offers flexibility in research gathering and the potential for meaningful primary research.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Edmonds, A. (2007). ”The poor have the right to be beautiful’: Cosmetic surgery in neoliberal Brazil’, Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute, Vol. 13(2), pp. 363-381.
• Harris, D.L. and Carr, A.T. (2001). ‘Prevalence of concern about physical appearance in the general population’, British Journal of Plastic Surgery, Vol. 54(3), pp. 223-226.
• Swami, V., Arteche, A., Chamorro-Premuzic, T., Furnham, A., Stieger, S., Haubner, T. and Voracek, M. (2008). ‘Looking good: Factors affecting the likelihood of having cosmetic surgery’, European Journal of Plastic Surgery, Vol. 30(5), pp. 211-218.