Dr. Ashwani Kumar & Dr. Vikas Bhandari
“Fashion is not merely about attracting attention; it is about finding a sense of connection. Yet, when it transitions from self-expression to a source of disruption, it becomes a form of violence.”
In contemporary society, fashion has evolved into something far more destructive than it ever was meant to be. Once a means of personal expression and creativity, it has been transformed into a significant market force that harms both the individual and society at large. In its most commercialized form, fashion has less to do with celebrating our individuality and much more to do with associating with unrealistic standards. These ideals—oftentimes originating in a very narrow and manufactured view of beauty—have led to immense self-doubt, body rejection, and even discrimination. Fashion perpetuates symbolic violence by exploiting the human desire for social acceptance, deepening feelings of alienation and emptiness rather than promoting true belonging.
The Illusion of Perfection: Unrealistic Standards in Fashion
Beauty standards are set by the fashion industry, amplified by celebrity culture, social media, and aggressive advertising, which place nearly impossible expectations on a large population. In particular, these ideals often relate to thin body types and specific skin tones and facial features that represent only small fraction of society. Idealized images of the tall, slim, “flawless” figure dominate, even though few reflect reality. These unattainable images of influencers, advertised in all avenues and styles, are presented as normal to anyone who does not fit them. Dissatisfaction breeds from constant attempts at attaining an ideal that can never be reached; a thought that tends to leave individuals feeling “not enough.” This paradox- The more we are exposed to unattainable perfection, the more we feel incomplete.”
As philosopher Slavoj Žižek suggests, people’s desire for the “perfect” body or image isn’t about fulfilling a true need but confronting an inherent emptiness. The more we chase an unattainable ideal, the more we face the reality of our unfulfilled aspirations, which only deepens feelings of inadequacy. It creates a vicious cycle: desire without fulfillment, yearning for something we can never fully grasp.
The Violence Against the Body: Self-Rejection and Harm
Fashion’s unrealistic standards lead many to reject their own bodies. Most measures taken to attain these standards involve drastic alterations of appearance through diets and exercises that border on pathological conditions, surgical procedures, and drug abuse. There is, in effect, a message that our bodies are never good enough the way they come. The rise of body dysmorphia, where individuals obsess over perceived flaws, can be directly linked to the fashion industry’s narrow definitions of beauty. As people desperately try to conform, they lose sight of their bodies’ inherent value, resulting in a troubling pattern of self-rejection
Žižek’s concept of “lack” explains this well: the more we try to change ourselves to fit an ideal, the more we encounter our own fundamental sense of incompleteness. The attempt to reshape the body reflects a deeper, existential longing for wholeness that fashion cannot fulfill. This process constitutes a form of symbolic violence against oneself, as individuals reject their bodies to fill an emotional void.
Fashion as a Tool of Control
Fashion often compels individuals to present their bodies in ways that attract attention, reducing them to objects of others’ gaze. This expectation, perpetuated by societal norms and consumer culture, diverts focus from authentic identity to external appearance. The relentless pressure to conform reinforces harmful beauty ideals.This undermines personal autonomy and diminishes individuality. This form of violence devalues individuality, perpetuating the notion that worth is determined solely by how well one meets societal expectations.
The Cycle of Self-Discrimination
The harm caused by fashion is not limited to internal struggles; it is also a social issue. Society encourages people to judge others based on their adherence to fashion norms, creating a culture of exclusion. In this environment, those who do not conform to fashion ideals are quickly criticized, shamed, or ostracized. Social media is often rife with judgmental comments and harsh critiques of people’s appearances, clothing choices, and body types, intensifying feelings of inadequacy. This social judgment forms a vicious cycle, where not only do individuals reject their own bodies, but they also project this judgment outward, discriminating against others who fail to meet superficial standards.
This system of exclusion enhanced a toxic environment where those who are “out of style” or fail to meet mainstream ideals are made to feel inferior. What was once a space for personal expression and creativity has become a platform for promoting conformity and insecurity. Fashion, in this sense, perpetuates a cycle of violence, reinforcing the divide between those who meet the ideal and those who do not. Žižek’s theory of “lack” applies here too: our desire for perfection—whether in our own bodies or in the bodies of others—leads to a violent cycle of judgment and exclusion.
The Divide: Fashion as a Marker of Status and Power
Fashion also functions as a marker of social status, deepening divisions between the privileged and the marginalized. The ability to afford high-end brands or the latest trends has become a symbol of worth and desirability, while those who cannot keep up with these trends are seen as lesser. This divide perpetuates classism and elitism, where those who can participate in the luxury fashion world are elevated, while those who cannot afford such luxuries are excluded. Fashion, in this context, is no longer merely about style—it’s about power, wealth, and status.
Žižek’s concept of lack is evident here as well. The desire for status and the prestige associated with fashionable clothing often stems from a deep sense of incompleteness. As individuals strive to attain this higher status, they are confronted with the reality that they may never reach it, leading to a cycle of desire, exclusion, and self-loathing. This cycle reinforces the social divide, suggesting that worth is determined by appearance and material success.
Breaking the Cycle: Fashion as Liberation, Not Oppression
Although it is easy to view fashion as a tool of oppression, it doesn’t have to be. Fashion, at its best, can be a form of self-expression, creativity, and empowerment. To break the cycle of harm, we must embrace diversity, reject narrow beauty standards, and prioritize body positivity. Fashion should not be about striving for impossible ideals but about celebrating our individuality and expressing who we truly are. It’s about embracing all body types, skin tones, and personal styles, not just those deemed acceptable by society. Fashion should be inclusive, allowing everyone to see their own unique beauty and worth.
Rather than using fashion to try to fulfill an unattainable longing, we must recognize it as a way to express our authentic selves, flaws and all. True love for oneself and others does not come from the pursuit of perfection but from embracing our authenticity. This is the path toward breaking free from the violence that fashion has caused and reclaiming it as a tool for empowerment.
Traditionally the institution of fashion guides ways for community expression, has become a market force that perpetuates a harmful cycle of violence. Fashion can be seen as a form of violence because it disrupts society’s stable sense of self and imposes ideals that are often unattainable. This creates a cycle of transformation that often leads to self-rejection and societal exclusion. The institution of fashion mainly focus on conformity rather than individuality creates a toxic culture where value is placed on external appearance, deepening divisions and reinforcing harmful social dynamics. While fashion has the potential to empower and inspire, it must evolve by embracing diversity, rejecting unrealistic ideals, and celebrating authentic self-expression. In doing so, fashion can break free from its harmful cycles and become a tool for positive change, promoting inclusion, creativity, and empowerment.
The views and opinions expressed by the authors in this article are their personal opinions . You can contact the author/s at [email protected] The details of the authors are:
- Dr. Ashwani Kumar is an Assistant Professor (Sociology) at UILS, Chandigarh University, Punjab (India).
- Dr. Vikas Bhandari is an Assistant Professor (Political Science) at UILS, Chandigarh University, Punjab (India).
