KOREASCHOLAR

In the context of a globalized society where diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) have emerged as pivotal values, the fashion industry is undergoing scrutiny for its practices related to body DE&I. This study examines the nature of the discourse surrounding body DE&I within the fashion industry, focusing on how such discussions are shaped, disseminated, and manifested in both the industry and broader society. Critical discourse analysis is applied by utilizing, content from the New York Times and leveraging Fairclough’s analytical framework encompassing textual, discursive, and social practices. The findings indicate that the New York Times emphasizes diversity, with a significant focus on the shapes and sizes of women’s bodies, developing a narrative centered around women’s bodies through visible and representative domains. The analysis suggests conflicted discourse, with prevailing critiques against the fashion industry’s standardization of beauty and superficial inclusivity efforts. Moreover, the industry’s adaptation to social demands for body DE&I is observed as sporadic, often leveraging non-normative bodies as a marketing strategy rather than genuinely embracing diversity. This study highlights the importance of continuous, in-depth discourse and social practices regarding DE&I within the fashion industry, as well as the need for systemic changes and policies that genuinely reflect societal demands for inclusivity. The findings provide a foundation for future investigations into the multifaceted relationship between fashion discourse, DE&I, and social practices, advocating for a more inclusive and critically aware fashion industry.

I. Introduction
Ⅱ. Review of Literature
    1. Definition of DE&I and DE&I in the fashion industry
    2. Body discourse and body positive movement
Ⅲ. Research Method
Ⅳ. Results and Discussion
    1. Textual practice
    2. Discourse practice
    3. Sociocultural practice
Ⅴ. Conclusion
References

• Myeongseon Yi(Assistant Professor, Dept. of Apparel Design, Konkuk University, Korea) | 이명선 (건국대학교 의상디자인학과 조교수)
• Eunhyuk Yim(Professor, Dept. of Fashion Design, Sungkyunkwan University, Korea) | 임은혁 (성균관대학교 의상학과 교수) Corresponding author