Summary Of The Cult Of Thinness

In her book "The Cult of Thinness," Sharlene Hesse-Biber explores how "thinness" has become a pervasive mentality in American culture, even to the point of becoming a cult. Based on chapters 1 and 2 of her work, as well as other sources, this essay will discuss the concept of a cult and its definition(s), to evaluate Hesse-Bieber's claims regarding the cult status of thinness. Additionally, characteristics of the thinness mentality consistent with cultic thoughts and behaviors will be analyzed, and how cultural tendencies to mold women into specific ideals are examined in relation to cultist aspects and behaviors.

First, it’s important to understand what a cult is. Although the term "cult" often carries negative connotations, it can be broadly
Hesse-Bieber believes that in the United States, thinness has taken on the characteristics of a cult, identical to typical cult attributes. This obsession with thinness is often accompanied by strict adherence to strict diet plans, exercise routines, and beauty standards, with people prioritizing achieving a certain shape or size at the expense of their own physical and mental health. Furthermore, this "slim cult" fosters a sense of community and identity among its followers by promoting a sense of superiority among those who conform, while humiliating those who do not conform. Hesse-Bieber highlights the cultural pressure on women to conform to a particular ideal, which reinforces the cult-like mentality surrounding thinness. Over time, societal norms and media perpetuate narrow beauty standards, leading to harmful behaviors such as disordered eating, excessive exercise, and body dissatisfaction. This pressure is further exacerbated by the commercialization of the female body, with products and services promising to help individuals achieve the elusive thin ideal, reinforcing the notion that