The Beauty Myth: How Images of Beauty Are Used Against Women

work by Wolf

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 22, 2026

Quick Summary

The Beauty Myth by Naomi Wolf argues that while feminism has made gains, women face increasing pressure to conform to unattainable beauty standards. Wolf contends that these images of beauty are used against women, impacting their self-esteem and limiting their potential. The book, published in 1990, became an international bestseller and a significant work in feminist literature, sparking widespread discussion about societal beauty ideals and their effects on women.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Naomi Wolf
The Beauty Myth
Wolf’s first book, The Beauty Myth: How Images of Beauty Are Used Against Women, was published in 1990 in the United Kingdom and appeared the following year in the United States. The book argues that feminist activism since the 1970s had produced…
Read More
Wolf’s first book, The Beauty Myth: How Images of Beauty Are Used Against Women, was published in 1990 in the United Kingdom and appeared the following year in the United States. The book argues that feminist activism since the 1970s had produced…
Read More

third wave of feminism
Foundations
…her first book, the best-selling The Beauty Myth: How Images of Beauty Are Used Against Women. In 1991 Susan Faludi published Backlash: The Undeclared War Against American Women, also a significant bestseller.
Read More
…her first book, the best-selling The Beauty Myth: How Images of Beauty Are Used Against Women. In 1991 Susan Faludi published Backlash: The Undeclared War Against American Women, also a significant bestseller.
Read More