A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF BODY MODIFICATION CULTURE FOR BEAUTY: CASE STUDIES OF CHINESE FOOT BINDING AND KAREN LONG NECK TRADITION IN THAILAND
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
The objectives of this research were to : 1) conduct a comparative analysis of foot binding culture among women in ancient China and neck ring wearing among Karen ethnic groups in Thailand; 2) analyze the consequential impacts of foot binding culture in ancient China and neck ring wearing among Karen ethnic groups in Thailand. This qualitative research employs documentary research methodology within relevant theoretical frameworks.
The collected data were analyzed to identify connections and interpreted in conjunction with related concepts and theories within the established conceptual framework. Research findings were presented through comparative tables and descriptive analysis according to the research objectives.
The comparative study of ancient Chinese foot binding and neck ring wearing among long-necked Karen reveals the complex relationship between beauty and social status.
Both cultures utilized physical body modification as cultural symbols and forms of cultural capital that could be converted into social status and economic opportunities. These practices reflect patriarchal systems that determined female beauty standards. Despite different outcomes—foot binding being abolished while neck ring wearing persists, having been adapted for cultural tourism—the concept of body modification for beauty continues to exist in modern forms such as cosmetic surgery. This research indicates that culture is dynamic, and its preservation should be based on respect for individual rights.
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Each publish articles were copyright by Phranakorn Rajabhat University
Any contents which appeared in each articles in the journal were authors personal opinion. It did not relate to Phranakorn Rajabhat University and other instructors in the university. Each authors would take responsibility on their articles. If there are any mistake, the authors will take responsibility themselves
References
Anderson-Fye, E. (2017). Cultural influences on body image and eating disorders. In W. S. Agras & A. Robinson (Eds.), Oxford: Oxford University Press, vol. 1.Benedict, R. (1934). Patterns of culture. USA: Houghton Mifflin Company.
Boonreung, P. (2017). Social, cultural, and economic changes of border communities in relation to the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC): The emergence of the Phu Du border checkpoint and local responses in Ban Khok District, Uttaradit Province. Prawaphapsin Academic Journal, 4(1). (In Thai)
Bordo, S. (1993). Unbearable weight: Feminism, Western culture, and the body. Berkeley: University of California Press.
Bourdieu, P. (1986). The forms of capital. In J. Richardson (Ed.), Handbook of Theory and Research for the Sociology of Education (pp. 241–258). New York: Greenwood.
Champabung, N., Dechhamat, R., & Phirumleertomorn, P. (2023). The foot-binding culture in the translated novel “Secret Letters of Bai He.” Fah Nua Journal, 14(1). (In Thai)
Duangwises, N. (2022). Anthropology of beauty and body. Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre Research Database. (In Thai)
Durkheim, É. (1912). The elementary forms of religious life. France: Alcan.
He, T. (2018). The status and roles of women in the early Tang Dynasty (618-754 CE). Master’s Thesis, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok. (In Thai)
Kanjanasuphan, J. (2020). Participatory action research for the sustainable preservation of Karen culture: A case study of the Karen ethnic group in Ratchaburi Province. Thonburi Rajabhat University Journal, 14(2). (In Thai)
Ko, D. (2005). Cinderella’s sisters: A revisionist history of footbinding. University of California Press.
Kongsaeng, K. (2016). “Body under control”: The changing meaning of “beauty” of Thai-Chinese women in the modern way of life. Lampang Rajabhat University Journal, 5(2), 239-242. (In Thai)
Kosuwan, K. (2014). A study of physically fit individuals’ physical anxiety and beauty concern. Thammasat University. (In Thai)
Kraiwijit, B. (2016). Confronting representations of the Phlow Karen in the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary. Doctoral Dissertation, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani. (In Thai)
Lapo, P. (2018). The effect of wearing neck rings on cardiovascular function and blood flow to the brain in Karen Kayin women in Thailand. Doctoral Dissertation, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok. (In Thai)
Lawitts, D. R. (2008). Between two selves: Politics of identity and negotiation of rights for Kayan refugees in Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand. Master’s Thesis in Arts, Sustainable Development Program, Graduate School, Chiang Mai University.
Mei, Q., Gu, Y., Kim, J., Xiang, L., Shim, V., & Fernandez, J. (2023). Understanding the form and function in Chinese bound foot from last-generation cases. Frontiers in Physiology, 14.
Naksuk, A. (2022). Foot binding and the oppression of women in Chinese society from the Song to Ming Dynasties. Master’s Thesis, Silpakorn University, Bangkok. (In Thai)
Ortner, S. B. (2006). Anthropology and Social Theory: Culture, Power, and the Acting Subject. Durham, NC: Duke University Press.
Panthawutthiyanon, W. (2001). Padong: Maya-power in the brass circle. Bangkok: Sarnkadee Publishing. (In Thai)
Phalomanee, S., & Satyophap, S. (2019). The status and roles of Chinese women in the short story collection “Silent Voices from the Mainland.” Phiknethsawat Journal, 15(1). (In Thai)
Reischl, U., Nandikolla, V., Colby, C., & Mijović, B. (2008). A case study of Chinese bound feet: Application of footprint analysis. Collegium Antropologicum, 32(2).
Rogers, E. M. (1962). Diffusion of innovations. New York: Free Press.
Santasombat, Y. (1997). Human beings and culture (2nd ed.). Bangkok: Thammasat University Press. (In Thai)
Statista. (2022). Share of South Korean women who have undergone cosmetic surgery as of 2020, by age group. Retrieved May 4, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1104046/south-korea-female-cosmetic-surgery-share-by-age-group/
Stewardson, L., Nolan, J., & Talleyrand, R. (2020). Eating disorders and body image concerns in men of color: Cultural considerations. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 42(2).
Sukkasame, S. (2021). Livelihoods and dwellings security: The challenges of indigenous Karen people. Journal of Community Development Research (Humanities and Social Sciences), 14(4).
Wongsoongchan, K., Pengampai, K., Sonsupap, P., Thongthap, L., Emyaem, S., Bansan, S., & Chotawan, P. (2017). Cultural adaptation in the modern world of the Karen people in the Karen waterfall village, Khlong Lan Phatthana Subdistrict, Khlong Lan District, Kamphaeng Phet Province. Proceedings of the 4th National Academic Conference. (In Thai)
