Surgery Junkies

Wellness and Pathology in Cosmetic Culture

By Victoria Pitts-Taylor | Publisher: Rutgers University Press

About the book

​Despite the increasing prevalence of cosmetic surgery, there are still those who identify individuals who opt for bodily modifications as dupes of beauty culture, as being in conflict with feminist ideals, or as having some form of psychological weakness. In this ground-breaking book, Victoria Pitts-Taylor examines why we consider some cosmetic surgeries to be acceptable or even beneficial and others to be unacceptable and possibly harmful. Drawing on years of research, in-depth interviews with surgeons and psychiatrists, analysis of newspaper articles, legal documents, and television shows, and her own personal experience with cosmetic surgery, Pitts-Taylor brings new perspectives to the promotion of \"extreme\" makeovers on television, the medicalization of \"surgery addiction,\" the moral and political interrogation that many patients face, and feminist debates on the topic. Pitts-Taylor makes a compelling argument that the experience, meanings, and motivations for cosmetic surgery are highly social and, in doing so, provides a much needed \"makeover\" of our cultural understanding of cosmetic surgery.

Editions of Surgery Junkies

Paperback
ISBN 9780813540481
EBook
ISBN 9780813582641

Read an Excerpt

​Despite the increasing prevalence of cosmetic surgery, there are still those who identify individuals who opt for bodily modifications as dupes of beauty culture, as being in conflict with feminist ideals, or as having some form of psychological weakness. In this ground-breaking book, Victoria Pitts-Taylor examines why we consider some cosmetic surgeries to be acceptable or even beneficial and others to be unacceptable and possibly harmful. Drawing on years of research, in-depth interviews with surgeons and psychiatrists, analysis of newspaper articles, legal documents, and television shows, and her own personal experience with cosmetic surgery, Pitts-Taylor brings new perspectives to the promotion of \"extreme\" makeovers on television, the medicalization of \"surgery addiction,\" the moral and political interrogation that many patients face, and feminist debates on the topic. Pitts-Taylor makes a compelling argument that the experience, meanings, and motivations for cosmetic surgery are highly social and, in doing so, provides a much needed \"makeover\" of our cultural understanding of cosmetic surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Surgery Junkies about?

​Despite the increasing prevalence of cosmetic surgery, there are still those who identify individuals who opt for bodily modifications as dupes of beauty culture, as being in conflict with feminist ideals, or as having some form of psychological weakness. In this ground-breaking book, Victoria Pitts-Taylor examines why we consider some cosmetic surgeries to be acceptable or even beneficial and others to be unacceptable and possibly harmful. Drawing on years of research, in-depth interviews with surgeons and psychiatrists, analysis of newspaper articles, legal documents, and television shows, and her own personal experience with cosmetic surgery, Pitts-Taylor brings new perspectives to the promotion of \"extreme\" makeovers on television, the medicalization of \"surgery addiction,\" the moral and political interrogation that many patients face, and feminist debates on the topic. Pitts-Taylor makes a compelling argument that the experience, meanings, and motivations for cosmetic surgery are highly social and, in doing so, provides a much needed \"makeover\" of our cultural understanding of cosmetic surgery.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Surgery Junkies?

Society and Social Sciences > Sociology and anthropology > Anthropology > Social and cultural anthropology

Where can I read a sample of Surgery Junkies?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780813540481

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Surgery Junkies?

Victoria Pitts-Taylor

Who is the Publisher of the book Surgery Junkies?

Rutgers University Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Surgery Junkies is available as paperback(ISBN 9780813540481) and ebook(ISBN 9780813582641)

Where can I buy Surgery Junkies online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy Surgery Junkies from below

Where can I buy Surgery Junkies?