Martz et al. This study also confirms the feminist belief that women who try to achieve the cultural ideals, of feminine behavior and beauty are more susceptible to acquiring an eating disorder. Autonomy can be understood as freedom or being in control. Critique and Summary Overall, many empirical studies confirm feminist theories on eating disorders. Although most feminist understanding of eating disorders is legitimate and profound, there is a little bit of a mystery as to why all women are exposed to similar pressures and ideals but only a few develop eating disorders.
Many feminist theories are very general and vague ignoring alternative female experiences.
I pressures based on race and class not just gender in order to strengthen many of the claims made. More empirical tests need to be done to test claims made by feminists and to examine ways to change the cultural ideal or to reduce the stress related to gender role stereotypes. Currently, there are many theories and much speculation made by feminists on eating disorders but more hard evidence is needed. In order for the feminist movement to make a difference, the theories need to be tested and publicized to the mass media. The feminist movement is threatened by eating disorders among women.