Report on the rise of cosmetic procedures in Brussels
By Sanne Pieters Cosmetic procedures are on the rise in Brussels! Sanne was asked to look at the rise of cosmetic procedures in Brussels through a sociological lense. From the article: “In this growing market, the fine balance between commerce and medicine remains, says Pieters. “Most doctors try their best to advise patients as honestly […]
Report on the rise of boutique fitness in Brussels
By Sanne Pieters What does the rise of boutique fitness studios as a place for networking say about Brussels? Sanne was featured in Politico Europe to give her insights on “sweatworking”, where people in Brussels visit high-end gyms for networking purposes. From the article: “Sanne Pieters, a PhD researcher at KU Leuven investigating […]
Fieldwork experience
By Narges Pirhayati Managing My Appearance in the Field During my fieldwork with cosmetic surgeons in Tehran/Iran, I realized that my appearance was not a peripheral matter. On the contrary, it became a critical part of my fieldwork toolkit —something I had to carefully manage to gain access to the highly exclusive and sensitive world […]
Movie Review – The Substance
By Narges Pirhayati Beauty Standards and Identity in The Substance The film The Substance explores an identity crisis related to the body. It shows the fear of aging and physical change and how a famous person struggles with growing older and losing her beauty, leading her to take extreme measures to regain her lost […]
Movie Review – The Substance
By Emmanuel Narh “Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself – younger, more beautiful, more perfect?” This haunting question opens “The Substance”, setting the tone for a visceral critique of our obsession with beauty. It is a fitting entry point into a film that, while framed as horror, unfolds more as […]
The ex-President’s hair: Politics and beauty in Buenos Aires
All five PhD researchers are now doing their fieldwork. On this blog, they share their research impressions in short vignettes. Carolina Rabasa Rucki looks at the hairstyle of former president Cristina de Kirchner to show how beauty is politics in Buenos Aires
Akosua’s story: Ghana’s Beauty Cultures and the Price of (Non) Conformity
All five PhD researchers are now doing their fieldwork. On this blog, they share their research impressions in short vignettes. Emmanuel Narh shares the story of Akosua from Ghana “I am now content with my body; it gives me joy because now I get money to feed and help others…” These were the words of […]