Material Detail

This interdisciplinary textbook examines appearance and dressing practices in relation to ethnicity, gender, age, body shape, disability, and class. It introduces fashion and dress-related theories, culture and identity concepts, and social justice concepts related to dress, appearance, and the fashion industry.

In this textbook, students are introduced to topics about identity, dress, and the body. We explore how individuals and communities use dress to communicate (i.e., “negotiate,” in fashion studies) their various identities. There is heightened attention to social justice, power, privilege, and oppression. That is, we focus on the experiences of historically marginalized communities and the ways they navigate dress and dressing their bodies in different contexts.

Increased awareness of appearances and fashions of individuals historically experiencing oppression and marginalization can aid in developing a more socially just environment and reject past perpetuations of white supremacy, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, fatphobia, and xenophobia. As students enter the workforce with a social justice background, they will better understand and work with others who are different from them. Additionally, a better understanding of diverse consumers could help provide these consumers with the products they desire and avoid public diversity issues that are far too common in the fashion industry.

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