The Role of Cinema and Film Stars in Aesthetic Role-Modeling and Women’s Body Management: A Case Study of Women Attending Beauty Clinics in District 5 of Tehran

This study aims to provide a sociological explanation of the role of cinema and female film stars in shaping aesthetic ideals and body management among women who attend beauty clinics in District 5 of Tehran. The research adopts a qualitative, exploratory design, using thematic analysis within a grounded theory framework. The study population comprised women residing in Tehran who had voluntarily undergone at least one type of cosmetic surgery or aesthetic intervention on their face or body. Fourteen women aged 17 to 68 years were selected through purposive and theoretical sampling until theoretical saturation was reached, and in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted. Analysis through open, axial and selective coding showed that concepts such as imitation of film stars, desire to be seen, normative and peer pressures, negative body image, media logic, beauty as social and economic capital, medicalization of beauty, and orientation toward dominant beauty standards are central to participants’ experiences. According to the paradigmatic model, “body management and role-modeling from female film stars” constitutes the core phenomenon which, in interaction with causal, contextual and intervening conditions and through strategies such as conspicuous consumption, imitation of celebrities and creating acquired beauty, leads to outcomes such as greater self-confidence, social acceptance and prestige, higher success and income, and increased dependence on dominant beauty standards.