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Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health

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01-02-2009 | Original Paper

“Do Real Women Have Curves?” Paradoxical Body Images among Latinas in New York City

Authors: Anahí Viladrich, Ming-Chin Yeh, Nancy Bruning, Rachael Weiss

Published in: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health | Issue 1/2009

Abstract

This paper examines Latinas’ assessments of their individual body shape and weight vis-à-vis their beliefs and attitudes regarding mainstream and alternative body images. A mixed method data collection system was used based on individual instruments and focus group guidelines. While individual measures revealed participants’ preference for thinner body types than what they actually considered themselves to be, group data underscore contradictory body paradigms, defined as Latinas’ Paradoxical Body Images (LAPABI). Findings suggest the prevalence of a mainstream stereotype represented by the fit/thin White woman as the ultimate body ideal, along with the Latina curvy shape as its counter-image. The paper further discusses the importance of the media, and of divergent cultural values, in supporting these co-existing body ideals, as well as the need for more studies addressing their combined effect on Latinas’ obesity patterns and their weight-control efforts.

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Title: “Do Real Women Have Curves?” Paradoxical Body Images among Latinas in New York City
Authors: Anahí Viladrich
Ming-Chin Yeh
Nancy Bruning
Rachael Weiss
Publication date: 01-02-2009
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health / Issue 1/2009
Print ISSN: 1557-1912
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1920
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-008-9176-9

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

“Do Real Women Have Curves?” Paradoxical Body Images among Latinas in New York City

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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