Recognition of the appearance and fashion style of women who experience childbirth

Abstract

The aims of this study are to explore the experiences of modern Korean women who experience childbirth and to examine the perceptions of body and appearance in everyday life and how fashion provides a means of self-expression. The study utilizes focused ethnography (a qualitative research method) of cultural technology magazines, conducted to observe women’s behavior and language, and to explore their life values, such as beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors in fashion style in everyday life. The purpose of this study is to reveal the actual meaning of childbirth, the resulting change in appearance, and patterns of specific style expression. This will enable a better understanding of the experiences of married women with children in Korea using vivid language, by which an in-depth understanding of their lives may be promoted. A survey of 24 women (aged 25~40) who had experienced pregnancy and childbirth were included in the study, categorized as early pregnancy, pre-birth, and post-birth parenting. Subcategories were derived as “unfeasible pregnancy,” “unpredictable and unprepared anxiety,” “self-awareness of changing bodies,” “pressure on healthy bodies,” “opportunity to let go of pressure on appearance management,” “pressure on hard parenting,” and “experience of change in unmanaged areas.” Pregnant women and women with children demonstrated tastes and preferences in style suitable for differentiated situations and roles, along with perceptions of appearance.