How Mothers Affect Daughters' Body Image: Background information when reading Age 16

In Age 16 by Rosena Fung, we see body image issues play out across generations. Characters make disapproving comments about their daughters' bodies or encourage them to diet because they think they are being helpful. Lydia models diet culture for her daughter by criticizing her own body and openly counting calories.

As is apparent in the novel's depiction of these issues in multiple eras and settings, from Guangdong to Hong Kong to Toronto, body dissatisfaction can exist across cultures. However, research shows it is especially persistent in wealthy countries with a more consumption-focused lifestyle. A study found that African immigrants to Europe took a more negative view of their bodies than Africans in Africa did. In Western countries, women who aren't white may feel more pressure to meet the Western beauty ideal in other ways, like through low body weight. Stress and discrimination can also trigger eating disorders for ethnic minorities in majority-white countries, and...