Body Image Perceptions Between African-American and Kenyan Women

Abstract

Self-perceptions about body image affect the lives of women and how they view themselves and treat their bodies. This study examines the experiences of women of color and investigates how perceptions and attitudes about the body compare and contrast within African-American and Kenyan culture. Six African-American women from Kalamazoo College and six Kenyan women from the University of Nairobi were asked questions regarding general thoughts about their bodies including treatment of the body along with external and internal influences.