History, Herstory, Hairstory: A History and Analysis of Body and Pubic Hair Removal in the United State
“Although it is a topic relevant to everyone in the United States, pubic hair is a subject rarely talked about. This research provides a comprehensive history of perceptions of body hair and body hair removal as well as a critique of the practice of removing body hair (and pubic hair in particular) and of promoting a culture of acceptable ephebophilia in the United States through analysis of literature, popular culture references and norms, and personal interviews.
When I initially thought of this topic, I knew it was something that I was interested in talking about, but I thought that I was the only one. Pubic hair is a topic that everyone thinks about, but nobody talks about. I was surprised and delighted by the amount of positive feedback I received from conducting interviews or sharing with peers (and professors and Goucher staff!) what I was researching. People want an outlet and a safe space to talk about things that might be uncomfortable but that everyone thinks about. Sex has become a culturally acceptable discussion topic, but pubic hair is still not talked about. I am very pleased to have been able to take on such a big topic and bring the conversation about pubic hair into the open.”
— Emma Trisolini