Curvology
Subtitle: the origins and power of female body shape
By: David Bainbridge
Publisher: Portobello Books
Published: 2015
Place of publication: London
Language: eng
Number of pages: 227
ISBN-13: 9781846275500
Subjects: Body Image; Psychology; Human evolution; Body image in women; Curves; Women
Description: In Curvology, Cambridge Professor of Veterinary Anatomy David Bainbridge applies the science of evolutionary biology and cutting-edge psychology to women's bodies, to explain why the human female is the only female animal to have curves and how these curves rule our lives, by influencing not only sexual selection but also social hierarchy and self-image. Written in lucid and engaging prose, Bainbridge's unique brand of popular science also draws on illuminating references from art history, contemporary media culture, and a range of first-person interviews with some actual human women . Offering a level-headed and fresh perspective on a contentious issue, Curvology will be a fascinating, controversial, and highly newsworthy read.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 209-219) and index.
Table of contents: title: An introduction to our obsession; title: Part 1. The body: Where women's bodies came from; title: Where women's bodies come from; title: The power of curves; title: Part 2. The mind: What men want and why it doesn't matter; title: Trapped in a vessel of flesh; title: Comfort and discomfort eating; title: A malaise of shapes; title: Part 3. The world: Following the fashion; title: Covering up and tucking in; title: Why women care and why it's complicated.