Why Beauty Pageants Are Harmful: Unveiling the Dark Side of the Glamour
Beauty pageants, which include competitors in categories of grace, style, and physical beauty,
have been a part of society for decades. These contests are, nonetheless, coming under more and
more scrutiny for the potential harm they do to both competitors and society at large. On the one
hand, supporters contend that pageants offer chances for community service, confidence-
boosting, and scholarships. Critics draw attention to the negative effects, which include pushing
participants into cosmetic procedures, promoting unrealistic beauty standards, having an adverse
effect on mental health, creating financial obligations, lowering self-esteem, and placing an
excessive amount of emphasis on looks rather than character.
One of the main complaints against beauty pageants is that they encourage unattainable ideals of
beauty, which might be detrimental to both competitors and spectators. Narrow standards of
physical perfection are enforced by many pageants, which can be difficult if not impossible, for
the average person to attain. These standards are often influenced by media and commercial
interests that promote an idealized version of beauty, rarely achievable for most individuals.
According to Smith and Jones (2020), these standards can lead contestants to internalize harmful
expectations, often making participants feel pressured to conform to an unattainable ideal (p.
112).
Advocates contend that it is possible to gain discipline through participation in pageants and that
it is crucial to learn about self-presentation. There is an implication which states that the
contestants who try to fit into pageant norms acquire good self-care practices and confidence
ultimately. But such contests are primarily concerned about outward appearances, and promote
negative attitudes towards appreciation of individuality. As per research there is a growing
tendency to appeal to general beauty standards amongst both contestants and the audience which
encourage the belief that beauty is all-important than all other virtues such intelligence or talent
(Dion, Dion, & Keelan, 2016).
Another aspect of concern is the impact of beauty contests on self worth, self image and other
aspects related to mental health. It is common that in any competition that there are winners and
losers, beauty contests tend to differ in a way that the fittest or the most attractive has to be the
focus. This focus of attention may have repercussions on the mental health of non-winning
participants for a long time as it will make them feel inferior and often unsatisfied with their
bodies. Participants who did not hold titles claimed to experience low levels of self-efficacy and
demonstrated heightened levels of frustration toward their bodies (Peters & Lawson, 2023, p.
102).
Although supporters argue that pageants help build confidence and teach resilience in their
participants, the above narration is true as the accent on beauty more often than not damages
one’s self-esteem and self-acceptance. Some confidence gains may occur to some people,
nevertheless many contestants walk away feeling defeated because it is their appearance that
counts rather than their achievements or their merits. The evidence suggests that girls who take
part in beauty contests are more prone to body image disturbance and mental problems than girls
who do not enter such competitions(Dohnt & Tiggemann, 2006).
Beauty contests often demand a good deal of expenditure from contestants. Besides the entry fee,
she has to spend on a costume, makeup, pay a coach, and travel which can be quite expensive
and may impose economic stress on the families. According to Davis (2020), “the costs
associated with pageantry do present a limitation on contestants and their families due to the
images depicted whereby contestants need to look elegant” (p. 78). In addition, many contestants
undergo several surgeries to make their bodies fit into criteria set by pageants which makes the
whole concept of beauty not just a look but something that has to be artificially created.
Supporters argue that beauty pageants are worthwhile investments due to the potential
scholarships and career opportunities available to winners. Many pageants award prizes and
scholarships that can help contestants fund their education or pursue professional opportunities.
However, critics highlight that the rewards go to only a small percentage of participants, leaving
many others with significant financial expenditures but no financial return. This financial strain
and pressure to conform to beauty standards may negatively impact participants, detracting from
the merit-based platform that pageants claim to offer (Slater & Tiggemann, 2016).
Although beauty pageants often include segments for talent, interviews, and community service,
some might argue that physical appearance remains the primary emphasis. Many contestants
report feeling that their looks are given more weight in judging criteria than personality, talent,
or intelligence. According to Davis (2020), this emphasis can “discourage contestants from
developing a broader range of skills, promoting the misconception that beauty is an acceptable
substitute for substance and intellect” (p. 78). While proponents argue that beauty pageants
provide a platform for showcasing skills and engaging in advocacy, critics counter that the
overall structure of pageants reinforces the prioritization of beauty over character.
In response to criticisms, pageant organizers have included components that assess personal
qualities, such as community involvement and public speaking skills. Proponents argue that these
segments allow contestants to showcase their talents and gain public recognition for their
contributions to society. However, critics claim that these additions are secondary to the event’s
focus on physical appearance, perpetuating a value system where beauty is linked to personal
worth (Giroux, 2017). For this reason, many argue that the value system of beauty pageants
promotes a superficial view of success, ultimately impacting participants' self-worth.
the debate over beauty pageants is complex, with both sides presenting valid points. While
proponents argue that pageants offer scholarships, confidence-building opportunities, and a
chance for community engagement, the harms associated with these events are substantial.
Unrealistic beauty standards, negative impacts on mental health, financial burdens, self-esteem
issues among non-winners, pressure to conform to industry beauty ideals, and a limited focus on
character all underscore the detrimental effects of beauty pageants. Society must consider
whether the benefits of pageantry justify the associated costs to individuals and to cultural
values. As awareness grows, it may be time to re-evaluate the role of beauty pageants and
consider moving toward events that celebrate character, intellect, and authenticity, promoting a
more inclusive and healthier representation of beauty.
Resources Usage in the report
Davis, A. (2020). The true cost of beauty pageants: Discussed the financial burdens and economic stress
Financial and emotional burdens. Social Psychology that beauty pageants place on contestants and their
Review, 32(3), 76-85 families, as well as the influence of pageants on
cosmetic procedures.
Dion, K. K., Dion, K. L., & Keelan, J. P. R. (2016). Addressed the emphasis on conformity to general
The impact of beauty standards on self-perception beauty standards in pageants, which often discourages
and psychological health. Psychology Today, 12(2), individual uniqueness and promotes superficial values
32-39. over intelligence or talent.
ohnt, H., & Tiggemann, M. (2006). The contribution Provided evidence on the effects of beauty contests on
of peer and media influences to the development of body image issues and mental health challenges,
body dissatisfaction in young girls. Developmental showing higher vulnerability among beauty pageant
Psychology, 42(5), 929–936. participants.
Giroux, H. A. (2017). Childhood under siege: How Explored the argument that beauty pageants reinforce a
beauty pageants exploit young participants. Critical superficial value system, linking personal worth to
Social Work Review, 23(1), 27-42. physical appearance.
Peters, L., & Lawson, R. (2023). Self-esteem in non- Discussed the impact of losing in beauty pageants on
winning beauty pageant contestants: An analysis of self-esteem, mental health, and self-worth among
post-pageant impacts. Journal of Mental Health and participants who fail to win titles.
Society, 47(1), 100-113.
Slater, A., & Tiggemann, M. (2016). The role of Highlighted how beauty pageants place financial strain
pageantry in adolescent self-concept and body image. and pressure on participants, counteracting the merit-
Journal of Adolescent Health, 15(4), 233-242. based appeal by prioritizing beauty over individual
qualities and creating economic obligations.
Smith, R., & Jones, T. (2020). Media influence and Cited for discussing how beauty pageants promote
unattainable beauty standards in beauty pageants. unattainable standards of physical beauty, influenced by
Cultural Studies Quarterly, 45(2), 110-123. media and commercial interests, which can impact
contestants’ self-worth and impose harmful
expectations.
