Corsets and wearable technology
In the stuffy parlours of the Victorian era, where corsets not only cinched the waist but also social norms, we find a surprising parallel to the modern world of wearable technology. Both, although centuries apart, share a fascinating obsession with moulding and monitoring the human body. This analysis draws comparisons between the steel constrictions of yesteryear and the digital extensions of today, both of which in their own way modify the human body and blur the boundaries between body and technology.
Social corsets and digital bodyguards
Victorian corsets were more than just fashion items; they were instruments of social control that literally and metaphorically kept women ‘in shape’. They shaped not only the body but also identity by enforcing certain ideals of femininity and propriety. Modern wearables, although technologically advanced and less restrictive, exert similar control by constantly collecting and analysing health data. They shape our behaviour and health routines, often driven by the norms of what is considered healthy or optimal.
From physical constriction to digital expansion
While corsets physically constrained the body, wearables such as smartwatches and fitness trackers extend our physical capabilities by giving us insights into our physiological processes. These devices provide data on heart rate, sleep patterns and even stress levels to help us better understand and optimise our bodies. In a way, they “constrict” us through the expectations that come with constant monitoring, but also offer the “extension” of our self-awareness and self-control.
The aesthetics of control
Victorian corsets were also an aesthetic statement, a visible sign of status and self-control. Wearables, while usually more discreet in their presence, are also not only functional but also fashionable objects that signal both our technological savvy and our health consciousness. Both accessories, corsets and wearables, thus function as interfaces that not only shape the body, but also serve as projection surfaces for social values.
The ethics of self-monitoring
A critical look at both technologies raises important ethical questions. Victorian corsets were often criticised for the damage they could cause to health. Today, wearables pose similar ethical challenges, especially in terms of privacy and autonomy. The collection and analysis of personal health data by third parties raises questions about the control we have over our own bodies and their data.
The endless moulding of the self
The parallels between Victorian corsets and modern wearable technology show that our fascination with monitoring and modifying the body is deeply rooted in human culture. Both technologies, whether through steel or silicon, provide us with tools to mould our bodies and navigate the social expectations of our time. They tell an ongoing story of how technology can be both a means of liberation and control, depending on how it is applied. In this respect, the digital and steel corsets of our day are not only tools, but also symbols of our relentless search for perfection and the deep intertwining of technology and identity.
