The Body as an Object of Stigmatization in Cultures of Guilt and Shame: A Polish-Vietnamese Comparison.

Małgorzata Lipowska,Ha Truong Thi Khanh,Joanna Różycka-Tran,Mariola Bidzan,Thu Ha,Mariusz Lipowski

doi:10.3390/ijerph16162814

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to examine cross-cultural differences in body stigmatization between the individualistic Christian culture of guilt (Poland) and the collectivistic Buddhist/Confucian culture of honor and shame (Vietnam). The study included 1290 university students from Poland (n = 586) and Vietnam (n = 704). Subjects filled in the body esteem scale and the perceived stigmatization questionnaire, and body measurements were collected to calculate anthropometric indices. Participants from Vietnam were less satisfied with their appearance than their Polish peers. Men in both countries assessed themselves more favorably. No anthropometric index predicted body esteem in Vietnamese women, while only indices related to fat levels were predictors in Polish women. Men with a V-shaped body assessed themselves as stronger and as having a better physical condition. A possible explanation of the observed cross-cultural differences is that interdependent self-construal makes young adults in collectivistic societies more susceptible to criticism, and the Confucian values of modesty and shame lead to them not perceiving their bodies as sexual objects. The Christian sense of guilt does not influence the perception of sexuality. Absence of friendly behavior mediated the relation between anthropometric indices and body esteem in both cultures.

Highlights

The aim of this paper is to examine cross-cultural differences in body stigmatization between the individualistic Christian culture of guilt (Poland) and the collectivistic Buddhist/Confucian culture of honor and shame (Vietnam)
The objective data measurements were taken correctly and can be treated reliable of subjective assessments collected indicate that measurements were taken correctly and can be treated as reliable predictors of of one’s body or sense of stigma
As our study reveals no direct relationships between anthropometric indices and body esteem, some mediators should be investigated, e.g., positive experience about the appearance or any religious beliefs which hardly influence the perception and social behavior [88]

Summary

Introduction

The aim of this paper is to examine cross-cultural differences in body stigmatization between the individualistic Christian culture of guilt (Poland) and the collectivistic Buddhist/Confucian culture of honor and shame (Vietnam). Participants from Vietnam were less satisfied with their appearance than their Polish peers. Men in both countries assessed themselves more favorably. No anthropometric index predicted body esteem in Vietnamese women, while only indices related to fat levels were predictors in Polish women. A possible explanation of the observed cross-cultural differences is that interdependent self-construal makes young adults in collectivistic societies more susceptible to criticism, and the Confucian values of modesty and shame lead to them not perceiving their bodies as sexual objects. “Body Self” is the first component of the “Self” which is developed in the course of ontogenesis [1]

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