In today’s evolving environment of body positivity and societal expectations, examining what women face with their bodies after pregnancy has sparked major discussions. While the celebration of the ‘daddy bod’ has gained widespread recognition and emphasized the appeal of a more relaxed figure, a notable difference remains with ‘I’ve got bods.’ This disparity highlights the systemic double standard women face, forcing them to quickly return to their pre-pregnancy shape. This disparity is not just about body image; it touches on deep-rooted societal ideals, the dynamics of gender roles, and the impact of these expectations on women’s mental health.
Most people agree that the rise in popularity of dad bods over the past few years is a good thing. Men are shown that despite their lack of sculpture, women are still attractive. Instead of many unattainable beauty standards, it promotes the appeal of healthy body types.
But as one woman noted on TikTok, women aren’t allowed that kind of flexibility. Moms are not as valued for their bodies as dads, even though they are the ones who carry and give birth to babies. Instead, they are supposed to “bounce” after giving birth. This means that in order to be considered conventionally attractive, they must regain their pre-birth slim figure.
The story behind Dad Bod
A 2015 article titled “Why Girls Love The Dad Bod” originally coined the term “dad bod.” It was written by Mackenzie Pearson, a student at Clemson University. She claimed that she did not make it up, but rather heard it in various social circles.
She explained why women are drawn to dad bods, calling them “a nice balance between beer gut and exercise.” Plus, “there’s something about dad that makes guys look more human, more natural, and more attractive.” Pearson went on to cite numerous specific reasons why girls are attracted to this body type, most of which stem from the fact that many women struggle with their body image. Among them were:
Compared to someone who is perfectly fit, they are less intimidating.
In a relationship, women prefer to “be the pretty one”.
When a woman is next to a bigger man, she usually feels thinner.
Cuddling is better with Daddy’s body.
It’s his love of good food that women see as his focus on having fun and living life to the fullest.
After marriage and the birth of children, women realize what type of body they will have.
The men thanked Pearson in a series of responses she received after the article was published. She clarified, “I’ve had a surprising number of men and boys contact me and say, ‘I have issues with my body,'” in an interview with Slate. As a bigger guy, I wasn’t sure about my figure. I’m a big guy. People say things like, ‘This has really helped with my self-esteem.'” In general, men’s body image seems to have been improved by the dad bod movement.
Although Pearson did not intend for it to come across this way, the same interviewer noted that the appeal of the dad boda stems from issues with the female body.
What about maternal men?
Real estate agent and Etsy shop owner Rachel Whipple put a double standard in a viral TikTok video. Have you ever noticed how society so readily accepts daddy-bodies, even though women are the ones who actually carry and give birth to babies? Once they do, they are bombarded with advice from society on how to lose the baby weight. Because the body of the father is accepted, but the body of their mother, who actually gave birth to the person, is not.”
Her video was uploaded on July 14 and has received thousands of likes and comments and over a million views. Many people commented in their comments that they had never noticed the hypocrisy before. Some told stories of being inundated with offers of weight loss programs and tummy tuck procedures shortly after giving birth. Notably, men feel less stigma when they gain weight after having children.
Several mothers joined the discussion. Several women even showed off their “mom body” in their own reaction videos. With any luck, by encouraging these body types, she will encourage other women to feel better.
According to the study, the ideal of female beauty is constantly being eroded by the appearance of the typical American woman. And it makes sense. These criteria include
complete lack of hair on their bodies
having a big butt despite being slim and having a flat stomach
always smells nice
perfect skin without cellulite, stretch marks, acne, etc.
No wrinkles or signs of aging like gray hair
Many body image issues
Not only do these norms exist, but they also harass women – sometimes covertly, sometimes openly. Advertisements for “beach body ready” workouts, skin care regimens, diets, and makeup are heavily edited and Photoshopped. For roles in movies, actresses have to maintain a specific body type. Many films also pair young actresses with middle-aged actors. It seems that women their age are not attractive, but older men are.
It is logical that many women have problems with their bodies. They are held to a standard of beauty that can only be achieved with filters, makeup artists, personal chefs, nutritionists, Photoshop, and plastic surgery. Advising young girls not to care what other people think is simple, but it won’t remove the lingering prejudice against “unattractive” body types – including their own. It makes sense that women are more likely than men to experience low self-esteem, which can result in eating disorders, depression, and other mental health issues.
Fortunately, there are movements that oppose this unattainable ideal of beauty, and maybe mom bodies will become as popular as dad bodies. Whipple commented after seeing the reaction to her video,
“It’s a bittersweet mix of emotions: happiness to see women embracing their bodies, sadness at the way things are, relief that so many people agree, anger at the misogyny that has surfaced in the comments, and hope that things will get better. “
The dichotomy between the celebration of the “dad bod” and the societal pressure women with “mom bods” face highlights a significant double standard. While the former is accepted and even admired for its relatable, down-to-earth nature, the latter often faces unrealistic expectations and scrutiny, especially after giving birth. Rachel Whipple’s TikTok video brought this difference into focus and sparked a conversation that resonated with many women who shared their own experiences and perspectives.
The concept of the ‘daddy spot’ has emerged positively, promoting body acceptance and confidence among men. However, it inadvertently sheds light on deep-rooted issues related to the female body and societal expectations. Unattainable standards placed on women, from physical appearance to age, are major contributors to body image issues, which lead to a variety of mental health issues.
Despite these challenges, the response to Whipple’s video suggests a growing movement toward acceptance of different body types, including the “mom bod.” This wave of positivity and self-acceptance in conversation marks a shift toward inclusiveness and understanding. She emphasizes the importance of challenging conventional beauty standards and promoting body positivity for all genders.
Ultimately, while the existing disparities and challenges women face are acknowledged, there is also hope for progress and change. The support, unity, and commitment shown by individuals who advocate for body acceptance fosters an optimistic outlook for a future where all body types are celebrated and accepted without judgment or unrealistic expectations.