Plus size fashion through the lens of social inequalities

Abstract

In this article, we propose to bring the Field of Design closer to the Social Sciences, to examine the symbolic universe of Brazilian fat and low-income women, who make up the majority of individuals in Brazilian female society, reflecting on the interaction and limits imposed by their purchasing power when it comes to access to design products. The method of analysis considered statistical data on the Brazilian population, a literature review on the notions of social inequalities, poverty, inclusion and exclusion, from the notions of Social Sciences, as well as a reflection on the cultural dimension of equality and inequalities for Brazilians. In this research, we invite peers to reflect on the social aspects that impact our society, reflecting on how social inequalities can be reflected in the differences observed in individual chances of accessing and owning socially valued goods, concluding that exclusion is a product of the system and equality is a cultural dimension composed of specific aspects in accordance with current cultural codes, and that fashion as a means of expression and maintenance of social instances reflects society’s movements.