Fashion Education and Self Sexualization: A Case Study of NIFT Panchkula Students

This research paper explores the relationship between self-sexualization and fashion education, focusing on students from the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Panchkula. Self-sexualization, the voluntary imposition of sexualization onto oneself, is a complex phenomenon manifesting in various forms, driven by motivations ranging from validation to conformity to societal standards of what is accepted as ‘sexy’. The study delves into an exploration of self-sexualization among fashion students and its impact on their social behaviour and attitudes. Administering surveys, designed by using the Self-Sexualization Behavior Questionnaire for Women or SSBQ-W to the sample, the study examines how fashion education influences self-sexualizing behaviours over time. Furthermore, by qualitative Focus Group Discussions, the researchers seek to identify the factors within fashion institutes, particularly NIFT, including curriculum, culture, and industry influences, that may contribute to self-sexualization. Drawing upon the theoretical frameworks like Cultivation theory and Social Comparison theory, findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between fashion education, self-sexualization and estimate broader societal influences as well. Illuminating the dimensions of self-sexualization among fashion students and its impact on their social behaviour, the study concludes with a comment on the discourse of fashion education.