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Social and Psychological Aspects

An Analysis of Dress, Identity, and Beauty Beliefs and Practices for Women Over Forty as Influenced by Multigenerational Transmission and Matrilineal Inheritance

Authors
  • Cydni M. Robertson orcid logo (Indiana University - Bloomington)
  • Caroline Kopot orcid logo (University of Missouri - Columbia)

Abstract

This study explores how beliefs about dress, identity, and beauty are passed from grandmothers and mothers to daughters, focusing on women over the age of 40. It employs two theoretical frameworks: Roach-Higgins and Eicher's (1992) dress and identity, which views dress as a form of communication and social connection, and Bowen's (1976) Family Systems Theory, which emphasizes the multigenerational transmission of beliefs and practices. The research examines how these frameworks intersect to influence dress, identity, and beauty beliefs through matrilineal inheritance. The study aims to understand the transmission of dress and identity beliefs using mixed methods, including qualitative interviews and the Differentiation of Self Scale Inventory (DoSI). The findings could enhance cross-disciplinary academic curricula and inspire further research on the positive aspects of multigenerational transmission in familial relationships, expanding the understanding of non-material inheritance in shaping personal dress, identity, and beauty beliefs.  

Keywords: Dress and Identity, Beauty, Matrilineal Inheritance, Family Systems Theory

How to Cite:

Robertson, C. M. & Kopot, C., (2025) “An Analysis of Dress, Identity, and Beauty Beliefs and Practices for Women Over Forty as Influenced by Multigenerational Transmission and Matrilineal Inheritance”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 81(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.18890

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Published on
2025-01-20

Peer Reviewed