Glamour expert at the University of Sussex!Professor Carol Dyhouse, a social historian at the University of Sussex has published a book which looks at the concept of glamour and why women are seduced by things like make-up and fur! Her book, Glamour. Women, History, Feminism, explores the changing meanings of the word glamour, its relationship to femininity and fashion, and its place in 20th century social history. Professor Dyhouse says: "Glamour is about luxury and excess. It speaks of power, sexuality and transgression. The gloriously bonkers Lady Gaga is just the latest in a line of performers who have celebrated glamour while sending it up." Glamour. Women, History, Feminism looks at the role palyed by glamour through the decades from it's association with 'fallen women' in the 19th century, through to the heyday of the glamorous women in the film industry Professor Dyhouse comments, "For me, the high point of cinema glamour must be Dietrich sashaying in coq feathers down the corridor of the night train in Shanghai Express. She was described by the critic Kenneth Tynan as having 'sex, but no particular gender'. This, for me, touches on one of the important points of glamour - its potential for undermining the more decorous, socially sanctioned forms of femininity." She also looks at what happened during the 1970s and 1980s - decades of feminism and politics up until the present day. She says: "There are aspects of the glamour industries that we may deplore, particularly in the ways in which advertisers and manufacturers exploit the insecurities of consumers. But we do have choices, and most women are probably capable of enjoying glamour without deluding themselves into a denial of other values or wholly destroying their understanding of life." Glamour. Women History, Feminism, by Professor Carol Dyhouse, is published by Zed Books (£19.99). Find out more about postgraduate study at the University of Sussex. Looking for funding for postgraduate studies in 2010? Check out the exclusive bursaries on offer from Postgrad Solutions. Content added on 19th March 2010. |
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