You Need a Makeover: The Social Construction of Female Body Image in A Makeover Story, What Not to Wear, and Extreme Makeover

The document critiques how makeover television shows like "A Makeover Story," "What Not to Wear," and "Extreme Makeover" contribute to the social construction of female body image, suggesting that they promote unrealistic beauty standards and the notion that women's value is tied to their appearance. Through textual analysis of episodes from these shows, the authors argue that the programs perpetuate patriarchal ideals, commodify the female body, and often ignore the psychological issues associated with body image, offering only superficial solutions. The shows are criticized for presenting cosmetic surgery as a routine and risk-free path to improved self-worth, while not addressing the long-term consequences. The document concludes that these makeover shows reinforce harmful beauty ideals and the idea that women must constantly transform themselves to be socially acceptable, particularly within the context of heterosexual relationships and patriarchal norms.