Body modification in social and aesthetic projection: from beauty to stigma

This article examines the phenomenon of body modification in both social and aesthetic projection. It presents a panoramic view of the considerations surrounding the category of “body modification” within the framework of socio-humanitarian knowledge. Characteristics of body modification as a social phenomenon are delineated through its types, functions, and factors that determine its perception in society. Furthermore, the work discusses the experience from both domestic and foreign studies on the phenomenon of body modification published in scientific journals and conference proceedings. A comparative analysis of research practices is carried out based on the large-scale material of the results of these studies. Consequently, a synthesized portrait of the body modification phenomenon emerges, portraying it as a medium of communication, a form of artistic expression, and a marker of antisociality, culminating in its extreme manifestation as stigma. The article identifies key issues related to the aesthetic dimensions of body modification, including the problems of authorship, ownership, objectivity, and value. This exploration aims to contribute to the understanding of body modification not only as a personal choice but also as a complex socio-cultural phenomenon that reflects broader societal attitudes and values.