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Feminist Perspectives on Dress and the Body

An Analysis of Ms. Magazine, 1972 to 2002

Iowa State University, Ames

Jennifer Paff Ogle

Colorado State University, Fort Collins

This interpretive analysis examines the dress-related meanings included within issues of Ms. magazine, a key feminist periodical, published between the magazine's inception in 1972 and 2002. Dress-related text is excerpted for analysis (n = 156 articles) and analyzed using constant comparison processes. Analyses reveal two overarching and somewhat disparate themes: (a) experiences of oppression through dress and (b) experiences of empowerment and self-realization through dress. Content related to the first overarching theme addresses the various ways in which women may feel oppressed by fashion discourses and narrow cultural norms of attractiveness. Content related to the second overarching theme addresses the ways in which women can feel empowered or gain pleasure through dress and body-related experiences. Findings are examined for change in meaning with the passage of time and are interpreted in the contexts of existing literature and theory as well as the broader feminist movement.

Key Words: body • dress • feminism • media

Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, Vol. 25, No. 1, 74-105 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/0887302X06296874


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