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Journals / Dicle Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi / 2026 / Sayı: 41

Beard in Young Adults: Fashion or a Form of Expression?

Genç Yetişkinlerde Sakal: Moda mı, İfade Biçimi mi?

Nuri Erdemir(İNÖNÜ ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0002-5106-7884
Ezgi Sumbas(İNÖNÜ ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0001-5450-6400
Pages
1–26
Publication Date
2026-02-10
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

Findings reveal multifaceted meanings of beards across gender perspectives.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:This qualitative study addresses the research gap by exploring the sociocultural significance of beards among young adult men (aged 18-23).
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Key Findings & Data:Through semi-structured interviews with 32 participants and thematic analysis, it examines whether the rising popularity of facial hair is a fleeting trend or a deeper form of identity construction.
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Conclusion & Impact:Findings reveal multifaceted meanings of beards across gender perspectives.
🔬Design:Araştırma Makalesi
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Sakal · Cinsiyet · Tematik Analiz

Abstract

This qualitative study addresses the research gap by exploring the sociocultural significance of beards among young adult men (aged 18-23). Through semi-structured interviews with 32 participants and thematic analysis, it examines whether the rising popularity of facial hair is a fleeting trend or a deeper form of identity construction. Findings reveal multifaceted meanings of beards across gender perspectives. Male participants linked beards to self-confidence, autonomy, and emotional resilience, viewing them as symbols of maturity and independence. Female participants associated beards with masculinity, social status, and attractiveness, often perceiving clean-shaven faces as less assertive or "childlike." The study uncovers tensions between personal grooming choices and cultural narratives, with media glamorizing bearded figures while promoting clean-shaven norms, fostering ambivalence in social belonging. Some men tied beard styles to ideological or spiritual beliefs, suggesting facial hair expresses broader affiliations. Beards emerge as dynamic embodiments of identity shaped by gender expectations, cultural ideals, and media influence, underscoring the need for further cross-cultural research into male grooming as a reflection of evolving masculinities and self-representation strategies.

Özet

Bu nitel çalışma, genç yetişkin erkekler (18-23 yaş) arasında sakalların sosyokültürel önemini inceleyerek ele almaktadır. 32 katılımcıyla yapılan yarı yapılandırılmış görüşmeler ve tematik analiz yoluyla, yüz kıllarının artan popülaritesinin geçici bir trend mi yoksa daha derin bir kimlik inşası biçimi mi olduğunu incelemektedir. Bulgular, sakalların cinsiyet perspektifleri arasında çok yönlü anlamlar taşıdığını ortaya koymaktadır. Erkek katılımcılar sakalları öz güven, özerklik ve duygusal dayanıklılıkla ilişkilendirmiş ve onları olgunluk ve bağımsızlığın sembolleri olarak görmüşlerdir. Kadın katılımcılar ise sakalları erkeklik, sosyal statü ve çekicilikle ilişkilendirmiş ve genellikle temiz tıraşlı yüzleri daha az iddialı veya "çocuksu" olarak algılamışlardır. Çalışma, kişisel bakım tercihleri ​​ve kültürel anlatılar arasındaki gerilimleri ortaya koymaktadır; medya sakallı figürleri yüceltirken temiz tıraşlı normları teşvik ederek sosyal aidiyette ikircikliliği teşvik etmektedir. Bazı erkekler sakal stillerini ideolojik veya manevi inançlara bağlayarak, yüz kıllarının daha geniş bağlantıları ifade ettiğini öne sürmüşlerdir. Sakallar, cinsiyet beklentileri, kültürel idealler ve medya etkisiyle şekillenen kimliğin dinamik birer yansıması olarak ortaya çıkmakta ve erkeklik bakımının, gelişen erkekliklerin ve öz temsil stratejilerinin bir yansıması olarak daha fazla kültürlerarası araştırmaya ihtiyaç duyulduğunu vurgulamaktadır.

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Cite This Article

Erdemir, N., Sumbas, E. (2026). Beard in Young Adults: Fashion or a Form of Expression?. Dicle Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi, Sayı: 41, 1–26. https://doi.org/10.15182/diclesosbed.1739155

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