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Series 11 - Episode 6

The Unbelievable Truth With panellists Mark Watson, Tony Hawks, Lucy Porter and Ed Byrne. David Mitchell hosts.

Thinking Allowed

Image for Working men's health practices - Plastic surgery in Brazil

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Working men's health practices - Plastic surgery in Brazil

Duration:
30 minutes
First broadcast:
Wednesday 09 February 2011

With a culture which equated health with beauty, Brazil has developed the biggest cosmetic surgery industry in the world. Public clinics often offer classic cosmetic procedures for free and 'La Plastica' is the realisable aim of people who can sometimes not afford the bus fair to make their consultation. How has plastic surgery become such an important part of the Brazilian culture and economy, and why is beauty seen as a 'right' for people who may not have electricity or running water. Laurie talks to Monica Figuero from Newcastle University and Alex Edmonds who's written on this subject.
Also on the programme, Alan Dolan on how working class masculine culture in Britain puts men's health at risk.
Producer: Charlie Taylor.

  • Alan Dolan

    Associate Professor Warwick University.

    ‘You can’t ask for a Dubonnet and lemonade!’: working class masculinity and men’s health practices
    Article published in Sociology of Health and Illness
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9566.2010.01300.x

    Find out more about Alan Dolan

  • Alexander Edmonds

    Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the University of Amsterdam.

    Pretty Modern: Beauty, Sex, and Plastic Surgery in Brazil
    Publisher: Duke University Press (25 Feb 2011)
    ISBN-10: 0822348012
    ISBN-13: 978-0822348016

    Find out more about Alexander Edmonds

  • Dr Monica Moreno Figueroa

    Lecturer in Sociology at Newcastle University.

    Find out more about Dr Monica Moreno Figueroa

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