Why are aesthetic practices included in the study of body culture?

Aesthetic practices are included in the study of body culture primarily because they often serve as indicators of social identity. These practices reflect and communicate various aspects of identity, including ethnicity, gender, class, and cultural affiliation. Through styles of dress, grooming, body modifications, and other forms of physical expression, individuals convey messages about who they are and the social groups they belong to.

Understanding these aesthetic choices allows anthropologists to gain insights into the values, beliefs, and power dynamics within a community. For example, certain hairstyles or fashion trends may signify membership in a particular cultural group or social movement. By examining these practices, researchers can explore how identity is constructed, maintained, and communicated within a society, making aesthetic practices a vital area of study in the context of body culture.