The History of the LIFESTYLE Dress
According to the leading research sources of modern times, the LIFESTYLE theory postulates that humans are born with a personal code or lifestyle that is transmitted through four primary channels – verbal, physical, ethical, and religious expression. According to the sociologists, language is the basic means through which people could identify and distinguish their groups and cultures. Voice is the human’s means of communication through which he can identify different cultures and sub-cultures. In the same way, the physical signs of culture are its visual aspect and its material aspects. For example, the cultural norms are followed by an individual when he dresses up in particular ways and carries out certain ritualistic behaviors.
LIFESTYLE theory has been applied variously in different areas of research. In the field of anthropology, it has been used to shed light on the origin of human societies and civilizations. It has also served as the theoretical foundation for many studies in ethology, primatology, anthropology, sociology, and psychology. According to feminist philosopher, Margaret Bendroth, it is an important model for women’s liberation. It has been used in the analysis of women’s relation to the family, the society, and the world as a whole.
The LIFESTYLE theory has been criticized on the basis that it fails to take into account the primary factors that shape an individual’s behavior. Most theories of human behavior have ignored the role that gender plays in individuals’ overall lives. Furthermore, in addition to these two shortcomings, the LIFESTYLE theory has also been criticized for excluding three categories of people from its definition – those who are alive at the time of the theory, those who have attained a particular age, and those who are dead. The study of such incongruities has generated much controversy over the years.
The founder of the theory, Elton Johneston, had envisioned that each day would bring with it a new discovery. However, he quickly realized that he would have to wait ninety years before he could put all these new ideas into play. By the time he finally died, in 1966, he had already spent more than three decades working on the LIFESTYLE concept.
The most commonly accepted explanation for the origin of the LIFESTYLE phenomenon is that it began in Egypt. Egyptian women would sew a linen garment called a bag around their waist, which they then wore over their clothes. This was originally meant to protect them from the heat of the sun, but over time it became the literal foundation of the LIFESTYLE garment. When modern society uncovered the fact that this garment had other, non-illustrative purposes, the garment began to be referred to by other names – including the Egyptian Lingerie. Many years later, the British were the first to use the term Lingerie in their dictionaries.
As you can see, the origins of LIFESTYLE are tied closely to the history of Egypt. It has also been referred to as the Egyptians Lingerie, or even Egyptian Fashions. Whatever you want to call it, one thing’s for certain – this garment has become part of every woman’s wardrobe!