Race, Colorism, Body Size, Body Position, and Sexiness

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to critically examine the fashion illustration textbooks that are currently being used within the textile and apparel discipline. Using gendered stereotypes and intersectionality theory as a conceptual and theoretical framework, the following research questions guided our study: (a) Are women represented in diverse races, and how do racial hierarchies intersect with these representations? (b) How are women’s body sizes represented, and how does race intersect with these representations? (c) How are women’s bodies positioned, and how do gendered stereotypes and hierarchies of race intersect with these representations? We used the content analysis method and analyzed fashion illustration textbooks in several categories including gender, race, body size, body position, provocative, skin color, and hair type. We found very few women of color, a majority of thin bodies, and more light-skinned Black individuals than dark-skinned Black individuals.