The Body Terms

body modifications

Intentional alterations to the body, such as tattoos, piercings, or scarification, that carry cultural significance and can express identity, status, or group affiliation.​

body decorations

Temporary adornments like clothing, jewelry, or cosmetics that enhance appearance and convey social messages or cultural values.​

hegemony

The dominance of one group over others, maintained through cultural norms and ideologies that make this dominance seem natural or inevitable.​

habitus

A concept by Pierre Bourdieu referring to the ingrained habits, skills, and dispositions that individuals acquire through their life experiences, shaping their perceptions and actions.​

social skin

A term by Terence Turner describing how bodily adornments and modifications serve as a "social skin," reflecting an individual's social identity and cultural belonging.​

violence continuum

The spectrum of violence ranging from overt physical acts to subtle forms of coercion and control embedded in social structures.​

body politics

The practices and policies through which powers of society regulate human bodies, often focusing on issues like reproductive rights, body autonomy, and gender norms.​

embodied anthropology

An approach that emphasizes the role of the body in social and cultural experiences, recognizing that bodily practices are central to understanding human behavior.​

naturalization

The process by which social constructs are made to appear natural or inherent, often obscuring their cultural and historical origins.​

normalization

The establishment of certain behaviors or appearances as standard or typical, often marginalizing those who deviate from these norms.​

internalization

The process by which individuals adopt the norms, values, and beliefs of their culture, integrating them into their own worldview and behavior.​

“dirt”

A concept by Mary Douglas referring to matter out of place; what is considered dirty or impure is culturally defined and reflects social boundaries.​

other

A term used to describe individuals or groups perceived as different from the dominant social group, often leading to marginalization or exclusion.​

structural violence

A form of violence wherein social structures or institutions harm people by preventing them from meeting their basic needs.​

symbolic violence

A concept by Pierre Bourdieu describing the subtle, often unnoticed forms of coercion that maintain social hierarchies through cultural and symbolic means.