Postmodernism and Men's Changing Body Images: An Intergenerational Study

Abstract

While gender is the separation of individuals according to biological sex; Gender is the creation of social roles and responsibilities by society based on the gender of individuals. With the influence of postmodernism, social culture, changes are observed in the concepts of body image, which is the image created by the individual's body and appearance in the mind. This study was planned to reveal postmodernism and the changing body images of men through intergenerational differences. In order to achieve this aim, data on personal care, clothing, accessories, nutrition and sports categories were collected using qualitative research method. In the research, with the participation of 5 people from the X, Y and Z generations, in-depth interviews were conducted with a total of 15 people using structured and semi-structured questionnaires, and the data were analyzed using the MAXQDA program and content analysis technique. As a result of the research, the practices and interpretations of the X and Y generations on body image are more similar; With the influence of postmodernism, it has been observed that there are differences in the Z generation compared to other generations in their interpretation of gender roles and norms, consumption items, care and accessory practices for body images.