The Politics of Female Beauty: An Analysis of Americanah (2013) by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichi

Abstract

This study analyzes the politics of female beauty in the novel Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (2013) focusing on how the beauty ideals impact the identity and agency of the female characters in the novel. This study is delimited to the intersection of gender, race and diaspora experiences in the contemporary American and Nigerian societies. Americanah explores how Western beauty standards influence characters’ self-image, social mobility and personal relationships. Through the exploration of the complexities of the appearance of hair and skin, the novel probes the broader themes of assimilation, resistance and empowerment. The research applies a qualitative approach using mimetic analysis technique to relate it to everyday life. The findings suggests the novel critiques the Eurocentric beauty standards imposed on black women and their psychological and physical impacts. Further research should take on a comparative perspective in other post-colonial texts illustrating discourse on intersectional feminism.