TITS UP

A respected sociologist delves into the story of the breast and finds complex layers of meaning.

Thornton, author of Seven Days in the Art World and 33 Artists in 3 Acts, calls her breasts Bert and Ernie. They are not the original models but prosthetic constructions, which she acquired after a double mastectomy to preempt likely cancer. Her complicated relationship with her new body parts set her on an exploration of the social meaning of breasts. In her latest book, she seeks “to shift the definition of breasts away from the dominant patriarchal version of them as passive erotic playthings.” Thornton chronicles her interviews with a diverse selection of interesting people, including strippers, women who contribute to milk banks, and cosmetic surgeons, who suggest that the bigger-is-better era might be passing. There are intriguing perspectives from bra designers (they prefer the term “bra engineers”), who see themselves as playing a crucial role in breast care and female identity. Some feminists are wary that a focus on breasts might reduce women to their sexualized, biological functions, but Thornton decides that there is more to it than that, showing how plenty of women see their breasts as opportunities for self-expression and body positivity. Part of this stems from her meeting with women who identify as modern-day witches and who are intent on loudly celebrating their breasts as their connection to primal forces. Thornton can see their point, but she concludes that this is not for everyone. Perhaps “thoughtful appreciation” of their breasts is a better outcome for many women. In any case, Thornton comes to accept Bert and Ernie as part of her life, creating a suitable ending to a story told with insight, wit, and self-awareness.

With intelligence and humor, Thornton examines how breasts can help women create new visions of themselves.