Aproximación teórica al estudio sociológico de la anorexia y la bulimia nerviosas

Abstract

Starting out from Merton’s theory of deviation, for which certain anomalous types of
conduct derive from the dissociation between culturally prescribed aspirations and access to the
correct methods for attaining them, we reach the conclusion that anorexia nervosa and bulimia
are a typical response to an anomic situation.
Firstly, bodily beauty as a cultural aim presents a strong anomic nature because it is
essentially an innate physical attribute which offers the subject practically no way of achieving it.
Acquired beauty, which expresses the possibility that the individual may update certain features
of beauty, plays a very limited role.
Secondly, access to the means of acquiring beauty is restricted, as is everything contained in
any consumer objects and services system: both economically and culturally.