For a thousand years in Japan, women had their feet bound to inhibit growth. Documented as early as the 10th century, and ending no later then 1911, this culturally specific exaggeration of a woman's body was practiced widely and seen as incredibly fashionable.
One theory behind the purpose for this wickedly cruel practice is that it would help to control independent women. They were so physically deformed, that any prolonged amount of travel by foot was excrutiating. Another theory, and this one slightly more accepted, says that Japanese men found the small foot extremely attractive. Parents would bind their daughters' feet in an attempt to gain favor with a wealthy suitor, and thus, bring fortune and stability to their families. A third theory states that this could be seen as a status symbol for the family of the girl with the tiny feet. They were able to have a member of their family who was unable to work, to support her. They could afford to not utilize her in the workforce. This implied success for the family.
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