14 -15 October, University of Birmingham, Department of Philosophy and School of Law
www.birmingham.ac.uk/beautydemands
This workshop focuses on whether a global dominant beauty norm is emerging; one with less
cultural variation and less sites of resistance. Some practices suggest this is the case: the
increasing popularity of the ‘Asian eye lift’ (sometimes claimed to be required for employment); the
wish for ‘golden skin’ (shown by the popularity of skin lightening/tanning creams and procedures);
and the increasingly global preference for ‘thinness’ (emerging in countries such as India and
Nigeria, where ‘ideals’ have significantly altered). The implications for regulation of such a norm
are considered, as a global norm might suggest global regulation, but there are notable tensions
here. Within the EU there is the tension between concern to facilitate the free movement of goods
and persons and the wish to maximise public health and use the precautionary principle to manage
risk. Globally there is often a notable disparity between the rhetoric of safety and responsible
practice and the drive to develop new markets.
Abstracts are sought from current graduate students and from early career researchers for this
workshop in any discipline relevant to the topic, including but not exclusively, Philosophy,
Psychology, Law, Sociology, Medicine and Gender Studies. Please indicate whether you are
submitting as a graduate student or an early career researchers. Please submit abstracts by email
using the title “Beauty Demands Workshop 3”. Abstracts should be submitted to Jan Kandiyali at
j.kandiyali@gmail.com by 16 July at 4pm. Abstracts should be between 250 and 500 words, and
please note that late abstracts cannot be considered. We will cover economy travel and
accommodation costs for UK researchers invited to attend.
Confirmed speakers for this workshop include:
• Andrew Edgar, ‘Professional sport and the marketing of body image’? (Reader in Philosophy,
Cardiff University)
• Alexander Edmonds ‘The globalisation of plastic surgery’ (Professor of Social and Medical
Anthropology, University of Edinburgh)
• Jeanette Edwards, ‘Beauty as an ethical project’ (Professor of Anthropology, University of
Manchester)
• Rosalind Gill, ‘Aesthetic Entrepreneurship: the politics of beauty in postfeminist and
neoliberal times’ (Professor of Cultural and Social Analysis, City University London)
• Danielle Griffiths and Alexandra Mullock, ‘Cosmetic surgery tourism: Risks and regulation in a
global beauty market’(Research Fellow interdisciplinary Bioethics and Law and Lecturer in Law,
University of Manchester)
• Viren Swami, ‘Are we all thin enough yet? The globalisation of the thin ideal and the
homogenisation of beauty’ (Reader in Psychology, University of Westminster)
• Shirley Tate, ‘The performativity of black beauty shame in Jamaica and its diaspora’
(Associate Professor in Sociology and Social Policy, University of Leeds)