ABSTRACT
The hegemonic beauty pattern, which circulates throughout society, affects people’s identity. However, studies on the subject revolve around adults. Thus, it is necessary to investigate children’s perceptions of beauty standards, emphasizing their practices and speech. A qualitative and exploratory research was conducted with 50 children (4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 years), using the Clinical Method (Jean Piaget), which allows a thorough investigation. Participants had asked to draw, view photographs and answer questions related to beauty standards. It has been noted that children have their own ideas about beauty and ugliness and that they change these perceptions according to age. It was observed that cultural patterns and practices have great influence on children, which are affected by the media, building their discourses through experiences and learning, both inside the family and school.
Keywords:
Beauty standard; child perception; Piagetian clinical method