ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that a continuum of Western beauty practices, from lipstick at one end to invasive cosmetic surgery at the other, fit the criteria set out for harmful cultural practices in UN understandings, though they may differ in the extremity of their effects. The concept of harmful cultural/traditional practices originates from UN concerns to identify and eliminate forms of harm to women and children that do not easily fit into a human rights framework. It argues that the culture of Western male dominance does produce practices, including beauty practices, harmful to women. The chapter discusses both Western cultures influenced by Christianity and cultures influenced by Islam enforce harmful cultural practices upon women. Only a determination to ignore the political origins, functions and consequences of Western beauty practices would enable a belief that Western culture is clearly superior in the freedoms it allows to women in relation to appearance.
