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  • Essay / Difference between clothing and social identity

    Clothes are directly in contact with the human body and are considered a fundamental element of the self, an “extension of the body” (Charlotte Suthwell, 2004). Clothing influences the appearance of the body, its shape and form, which impacts the structure of “social identity”. These can be any number of social identities that create the “self,” such as occupation, nationality, class, and gender. Clothing and the way we are dressed is the first impression a person makes, and clothing can affect how we are perceived. Through clothing, we are then defined as man or woman. Not only is clothing determined by gender, but also by other factors such as social status, role and age, which are then determined by designs, style and color. Additionally, clothing is functional, such as protecting the body, but can also convey meaning, making statements about class, status, and representation of certain groups. They create a form of non-verbal communication. Fashion and clothing are a form of nonverbal communication in that they do not use spoken or written words. they are coherent in this culture having been established or defined in terms of communication. " (Malcolm Barnard, 1996). Clothes are used unconsciously. An outfit is formed together without realizing the formation of gender, social status and produces an identity. In conclusion "Clothes allow us to play with our identities" ( Charoltte Suthwell, 2004). Personal choices are then supported by clothing, an “extension of the body with which we are perceived and capable of identifying ourselves”. However, “men and women will never be the same, but their differences will not be the same”. should not necessarily give them unequal status” (Kidwell and Paoletti, 1991) is determined by change in society and whether men and women will be “valued equally, despite all their differences” ( Kidwell and Paoletti).,