What does the term "body culture" refer to in anthropology?

The term "body culture" in anthropology primarily refers to the ways societies understand and regulate bodily practices. This encompasses a variety of rituals, norms, and social expectations that inform how individuals interact with their own bodies and the bodies of others. For example, different cultures have specific practices concerning body modifications, beauty standards, health, and wellness, which reflect deeper societal values and beliefs.

Understanding body culture allows anthropologists to explore how these practices influence identity, social hierarchies, and cultural perceptions of the self and others. The emphasis on societal regulation means that "body culture" is not merely focused on individual choices but rather on the collective frameworks that shape behaviors and attitudes towards the body within a cultural context.

Concepts such as what is considered attractive or healthy can vary widely across cultures, and studying these variations helps anthropologists gain insights into larger social dynamics and cultural identity. Furthermore, body culture can reveal how societies cope with issues of identity, power, and representation in relation to physicality.