1. Introduction Body positivity is a socio-political movement advocating for the acceptance of all bodies regardless of shape, size, ability, or appearance. Naturism (or nudism) is a lifestyle practice of social nudity, typically in private or designated spaces, emphasizing harmony with nature and respect for oneself and others. This paper argues that naturism serves as a lived, embodied practice of body positivity , yet the two concepts are not identical; they intersect in ideals of non-sexualized nakedness and diverge on issues of accessibility, commercialism, and cultural framing. 2. Core Shared Principles | Principle | Body Positivity | Naturism | |-----------|----------------|----------| | Body acceptance | Rejects idealized beauty standards | Rejects shame associated with nudity | | Decoupling worth from appearance | All bodies deserve respect | All naked bodies are normal and equal | | Anti-objectification | Critiques media’s sexualized gaze | Enforces non-sexual social nudity norms | | Mental health benefit | Reduces anxiety and eating disorders | Reduces body shame and increases self-esteem |
