Botox Nation: Changing the Face of America

Intersections: Transdisciplinary Perspectives on Genders and Sexualities

by Dana Berkowitz

One of NPR's Best Books of 2017

The first in-depth social investigation into the development and rising popularity of Botox

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery estimates there are about two-and-a-half million Botox procedures performed annually, and that number continues to increase. The procedure is used as a preventive measure against aging and a means by which bodies, particularly women's, can be transformed and "improved" through the appearance of youth. But why is Botox so popular, and why is aging such a terrifying concept?


Botox Nation draws from engaging, in-depth interviews with Botox users and providers as well as Dana Berkowitz's own experiences receiving the injections. The interviews reveal the personal motivations for using Botox and help unpack how anti-aging practices are conceived by, and resonate with, everyday people. Berkowitz is particularly interested in how Botox is now being targeted to younger women; since Botox is a procedure that must be continually administered to work, the strategic choice to market to younger women, Berkowitz argues, aims to create lifetime consumers.


Berkowitz also analyzes magazine articles, advertisements, and even medical documents to consider how narratives of aging are depicted. She employs a critical feminist lens to consider the construction of feminine bodies and selves, and explores the impact of cosmetic medical interventions aimed at maintaining the desired appearance of youth, the culture of preventative medicine, the application of medical procedures to seemingly healthy bodies, and the growth and technological advancement to the anti-aging industry. A captivating and critical story, Botox Nation examines how norms about bodies, gender, and aging are constructed and reproduced on both cultural and individual levels.

Genres: Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

Published January 10, 2017

Reviews

[Zainab · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives an insightful look at the use of Botox. It discusses the phenomenon of Botox use since its discovery as a toxin. It explains the social and cultural norms that pressure people, especially women to look young all the time, the norms that rejects aging and find it threatening to the feminine beauty standards. women unconsciously validate and legitimize this youth centered culture and beauty standards by participating in and using Botox. Normative femininity requires women to pay attention to their appearance and body, to be thin, young and not to look angry or frustrated, women who use Botox use it for a various reasons, one of which is to liberate them from having to work hard to control and police their facial expression all the time to avoid looking grumpy and angry because women are taught that it is displeasing to people around them to look "angry" or "frustrated". They are always encouraged to not threaten the peace of people around them by their unhappy and not cheerful facial expressions.

Women are always encouraged and pressured to look good. To be feminine means to have a youthful body and flawless skin. There are more expectations of aging women to look good than there are from aging men. Across women’s life course, their looks continue to be their most valued. While aging should be a natural process of grey hair and wrinkles, these things can disturb their selves and identities. It is connected to gender and social inequality that excludes aging women and does not value their bodies and probably their health too because it indicates that women should do anything to look young. It also interferes with their cultural and career success and what she gives to society is measured by how much beauty she has.

The role that celebrities play by normalizing Botox and making it seem like something that every woman will eventually do, putting less shame on cosmetic procedures and intervention in aging and body. Making this practice comfortable by making it a publicly accepted and achievable and attainable beauty and surgery. it is reinforced through the pride celebrities take in confessing their surgeries. Technology allowed people to be more up to date and following news of celebrities and how they maintain their youth and beauty, and they followed their steps as life guides. All products these celebrities use become advertised to public for all ages.

That Botox is becoming and is constantly advertised as a normal routine similar to hair cutting and teeth cleaning, hair dye, manicure or nails, it is becoming a normalized component of female maintenance. it is the idea of destigmatization of Botox use, like it became a personal and moral responsibility to not look old. Botox is seen as solution that can provide social, psychological and economic benefits.

[Kian Moini · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better Botox books out there, which goes into good detail about psychology, physiology and the history of the drug.

Could definitely had used more data, but for the time it was written I believe this was reasonable.

[Bugeater · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this ethnography for a research proposal I’m composing, and it gives a comprehensive, overarching perspective in American aesthetic Botox usage. I would’ve liked to look more into the people who use it, as it feels like there isn’t enough interview samples and examples. Additionally, I would’ve liked more sections on the aspect of control, but I felt like it was implicitly stated throughout the book anyway. Also, this book definitely gets more technological in the end—meaning it starts using terms and ideas more suited for those who have a sociology/anthropology background. Overall a great read that makes you more sympathetic to those who use Botox and cosmetic enhancement in general.

[Alanna McDermott · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book as a glimpse into the advertising and promotion of Botox, as well as the mindset of those using it. However, I didn't feel like it gave me a very comprehensive view of Botox. It showed the phenomenon from the perspective of those using it without "zooming out" on this phenomenon: the book felt like being dropped into a social group where everyone's talking about Botox- interesting, but one-dimensional. I also didn't find that the conclusions drawn by the author about Botox use were always supported by her data- the links felt tenuous at times, and like she was stretching personal conversations into inferences that just weren't there. That being said, I did enjoy the book overall as an overall character study of people using Botox, and the industrial motivations for promoting it.

[Costanza C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book analyzes the botox fenomenon in the U.S, so as a European may feel less relatable, but there are many common points which I see promoted by European influencers on a daily basis. It also deconstruct the whole idea of "good botox vs bad botox", how it marketed as form of self-care and it shows botox the way it is, just another way the beauty industry makes money over women's bodies.

[Javier Perez]

“Botox Nation” gives a sharp look at how a simple toxin has become part of everyday life, especially for women. Dana Berkowitz blends research and pop culture to show that Botox isn’t just about beauty—it’s about identity. Smart, critical, and super relevant.

[Grace Konstanty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superrrr interesting— though it took me a minute to get into the mental space of reading a research-y book, it was totally worth it. The book wasn’t necessarily trying to sway you one way on Botox, just explaining why people (women) do it, and the illusion of choice when it comes to beauty maintenance.

[Ietrio · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't understand it. And I have seen on TV that some are making a profit out of it. So it's both bad and immoral. Now let's burn them witches!

[Rebecca Stilson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sad commentary on the state of our culture

[Lindsay · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. Was hoping for more social commentary, less term-paper/conversations with friends.

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting study, well written, would be great to see some expanded research including trans women as I feel lacking the understanding of that experience leave a large blind spot in the narrative.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yikes! (With Spoiler - it's toxic patriarchy!)