Abstract:
The objective of this study was to study glutathione/skin whitening technology use experiences among Thai women: reasons and patterns of use, symbolic meanings given to glutathione, self-definitions and the fluidity of these womens identities. Data were collected through narrative interviews and observation among 8 glutathione-using, 20-30 year-old key informants in Bangkok and its vicinity. The results indicated that these women were influenced by discourses on effective skin pigment change which influenced them to use glutathione. These women were found to have 5 complex patterns of glutathione/skin whitening technology use: 1) beginning with whitening lotions and then adding topical or oral glutathione to their regime; 2) beginning with glutathione injections and then switching to high-concentration oral glutathione; 3) beginning with glutathione injections and then discontinuing its use altogether; 4) beginning with traditional herbs combined with whitening lotions and then adding topical or oral glutathione to their regime; and 5) using laser and other skin treatments to whiten their facial skin and then switching to topical glutathione. Symbolic meanings given to glutathione revolved around modernity, chemical substances and the help glutathione provided them in attaining success in both work and couple life. While using such products, these women defined themselves in fluid ways informed about their physical transformation. Some shifted their self-definition from cool-looking to beautiful as they felt the technology erased the scandalous dark skin color brought upon them by sunlight; this also ended their self-definition as dark-skinned. As these women used whitening substances, they felt that they were taking care of themselves, were becoming increasingly modern, and had the agency to choose products for making their bodies match societal expectations, which in turn increased their power and access to the things they desired. However, some viewed their bodies as repositories where chemicals accumulated as the result of their glutathione use. Patterns of use and reasons why these substances were being used both underlined the importance of the body as physical capital, which influenced their choice to use glutathione. Their choice to use skin whitening products and their self-definitions furthermore reflected their tastes and societal position.