Style and Status

Exploring the evolution of beauty culture for African American women from the 1920s to the 1970s, the book delves into the intersection of race, class, and gender within consumer society. It highlights the political and social implications of beauty product marketing, emphasizing the struggles of black entrepreneurs against white-owned firms. Walker reveals how African American beauty standards were shaped internally and in response to external pressures, challenging the narrative that significant influence over beauty norms emerged solely during the civil rights movements.