Body positivity vs body neutrality: What's the difference?

“Every body is beautiful!”

Whether on a t-shirt or in a health clinic – this phrase has made its mark. This particular phrase is rooted in the idea of body positivity , which preaches the belief that all human beings should have a positive body image , while also challenging the ways society views and presents the physical body. This movement is completely inclusive of all bodies, regardless of gender, size, weight, age, ability, and appearance. At its core, it’s the acceptance and celebration of diversity in human bodies. It's an acknowledgment that every body is unique, with their own individual attributes and oftentimes – what we see as a flaw – is what stands out for us.

The body positivity movement started gaining momentum in the late 1960s with the fat acceptance movement, which aimed to challenge societal norms and stigma surrounding body size. The term "body positivity" itself emerged in the mid-1990s.

The movement gained significant traction and visibility on social media, particularly on Instagram, around 2012. It has since become a widely recognized trend, with various brands and individuals actively promoting body inclusivity and self-acceptance.


However, like each trend, the body positivity movement too came with its own share of cons – which is, toxic body positivity .

Toxic body positivity refers to the pressure to be unconditionally happy and positive about one's body, regardless of how it looks or functions, and the negative consequences of that pressure. It can manifest as an expectation to have only positive feelings about one's body, even when negative emotions are valid, and can lead to feeling inadequate or guilty for not being "body positive" enough.

Hence came the concept of body neutrality .

Body neutrality can be considered a response to perceived issues with the body positivity movement. While body positivity aims to promote self-love and acceptance of all body types, it can sometimes lead to a focus on appearance and put pressure on individuals to feel "positive" about their bodies, potentially reinforcing societal beauty standards.

Body neutrality, on the other hand, encourages a more neutral stance towards the body, focusing on its functionality and capabilities rather than appearance, and potentially offering a less pressure-filled approach to body image.


Here’s a more detailed look:


What is body positivity?

Body positivity is a social movement and an approach to personal well-being that promotes acceptance and love for all bodies, regardless of size, shape, skin tone, gender, and physical abilities. It challenges unrealistic beauty standards and encourages individuals to focus on the health and functionality of their bodies instead of their appearance. Body positivity aims to foster self-acceptance, inner worth, and a positive body image.


Elaboration:

Social movement: Body positivity is a movement that actively advocates for the acceptance of all bodies, regardless of how society or popular culture views ideal appearance.

Focus on functionality: Instead of dwelling on physical appearance, body positivity encourages individuals to appreciate their body's capabilities and health.

Self-acceptance: It emphasizes self-love, self-compassion, and embracing one's body as it is.

Challenging beauty standards : The movement aims to dismantle unrealistic beauty standards that often lead to negative body image and self-esteem issues.

Mental health benefits: Body positivity can be a valuable tool for improving mental health, particularly for individuals struggling with eating disorders or negative body image.

Origins: The body positivity movement has roots in the fat liberation movement of the 1960s and is often associated with fat feminism, which examines the intersection of sexism, misogyny, and anti-fat bias.


What is body neutrality?

Body neutrality is a mindset that focuses on the functionality and well-being of your body rather than its appearance or how it looks. It encourages you to appreciate what your body enables you to do and how it makes you feel, without dwelling on whether it fits societal beauty standards. Instead of striving for a certain appearance, body neutrality promotes self-acceptance and care for your body's overall health and functionality.


Key aspects:

Shifting focus: Body neutrality moves away from focusing on appearance and towards appreciating the body's abilities and how it supports daily life.

Self-acceptance: It involves accepting your body as is, without judgment or striving for perfection.

Prioritizing function: Body neutrality emphasizes the importance of your body's capabilities and how it helps you engage in activities you enjoy.

Self-care: While not centered on appearance, body neutrality encourages self-care practices that promote overall health and well-being.

Respect and appreciation: It involves respecting and appreciating your body for what it does and how it enables you to live your life.


Body positivity v/s body neutrality:

Body neutrality focuses on the body's functionality and the things it allows you to do, while body positivity centers on loving and accepting your body for its appearance. Body neutrality emphasizes that your value isn't tied to your appearance, while body positivity encourages you to love and appreciate your body regardless.


Key differences:

Appearance vs. function: Body positivity prioritizes love and acceptance of your body's appearance, while body neutrality focuses on the body's functionality and what it enables you to do.

Self-worth: Body positivity encourages self-love, while body neutrality suggests that your value isn't determined by your appearance.

Perspective: Body positivity aims to shift your perspective from negative to positive, while body neutrality encourages a neutral stance.

The bottom line:


Both body positivity and body neutrality can be powerful tools for promoting positive body image. Body neutrality may be a more accessible and realistic starting point for some individuals who struggle with body image issues , while body positivity can be a valuable goal for others who are striving to love and accept their bodies. Ultimately, the best approach is the one that resonates with each individual's personal journey and helps them develop a healthier relationship with their body.