Cosmetic Surgery and the "Ordinary Me." chap.2: Cultural Modification of the Human Body (original) (raw)

This chapter explores the cultural practices of body modification across various societies, emphasizing the significance and implications of these practices. Examining customs such as neck rings in Myanmar, lip plates in Chad, teeth filing in Indonesia, and tattooing in different cultures, the chapter discusses how these modifications signify social status, wealth, and identity. It also addresses the evolution of such practices into contemporary forms, highlighting the cultural perspectives surrounding body image and the cultural implications of cosmetic interventions.