1.1 Background of the ProblemIn the 21st century, it is not strange to see beauty pageants all over the world. Atlantic City was the first to introduce beauty pageants in the 1920s. The world of pageantry was introduced when a business owner needed a source of attraction for tourists after Labor Day . This activity started with the swimsuit competition and then grew over the years. In the 1950s, the pageantry became famous when it was broadcast on television. However, in the 1970s, this competition received negative press due to feminist legislation. The age limit for beauty pageants ranges from 0 to 18 years old and this has been going on for over 50 years (Williams, 2010). The beauty pageant consists of five sections in which all contestants must perform to win. These categories are: talent, casual wear, long dress or evening dress, sportswear and question and answer section. How contestants dress usually depends on the type of competition and the competition system. However, they are allowed to wear makeup, have different hairstyles and wear tight-fitting outfits. According to proven statistics, around 5,000 child beauty pageants are organized every year and around 250,000 children participate in this glittering and glamor-filled competition. According to statistics presented by Women's News, 72% of the 100,000 beauty pageants hire coaches in the United States each year. Shockingly, 6% of these beauty pageant contestants suffer from depression due to the pressure put on them (OCCUPYTHEORY, 2013). As noted by Ioannou (2011), the percentage of girls hospitalized due to eating disorders has increased significantly by 270% in the last 10 years. Even participants aged seven were diagnosed with...... middle of paper ......February 13, 7). Beauty pageants for children – Pros and cons. Retrieved from http://www.buzzle.com/articles/child-beauty-pageants-pros-and-cons.htmlMalmsio, H. (nd). Advantages and disadvantages of beauty pageants for children. Retrieved from http://helene-malmsio.squidoo.com/child-beauty-pageants-pros-and-cons Meyer, D. (2011). Beauty contests for children: a form of child abuse? Retrieved from http://www.examiner.com/article/child-beauty-pageants-a-form-of-child-abuseOCCUPYTHEORY. (2013). Children's beauty pageant statistics. Retrieved from http://occupytheory.org/child-beauty-pageant-statistics/WickedRoses. (nd). Beauty contest for children. Ink for teenagers. Retrieved from http://www.teenink.com/opinion/pop_culture_trends/article/534594/Chil d-Beauty-Pageants/Williams, Z. (June 12, 2010). Beauty contests and their effects on children. Retrieved from http://student.purduecal.edu/~zmwillia/1800-2200%20words.htm