Sexual Objectification Research Articles

Level of Self-Objectification among Adolescent Girls from Co-educational Schools and All-Girls Schools: A Comparative Study.

Indian females have been objectified since time immemorial. The ancient Indian texts and architecture have numerous instances of sexual objectification of females. In the present time, self-objectification in girls is evident from the increasing popularity of apps like Photoshop, the rise in the makeup industry, plastic and cosmetic surgeries, and so on. This is especially relevant for females across the globe and leads to huge negative effects on women's identities. The aim of the present study is to assess and compare the levels of body surveillance (self-objectification), body shaming, and control beliefs in adolescent girls from co-educational schools and all-girls schools. Four hundred adolescent girls from Convent schools in different cities in Uttar Pradesh were included in the study using purposive (homogeneous) sampling based on the inclusion criteria. The Objectified Body Consciousness Scale (OBCS) was used to assess body surveillance (self-objectification), body shaming, and control beliefs. The results of the study revealed that the level of body surveillance (self-objectification) was significantly high among Indian adolescent girls. It was found that all-girls schools had a higher level of body surveillance (self-objectification), body shaming, and control beliefs as compared to adolescent girls from co-educational schools. It can be concluded that the phenomenon of self-objectification has numerous implications for the physical and mental well-being of girls, particularly during their formative years. Healthy behaviors and positive thoughts are the best ways to respect and honor one's body. The research suggests the need for meditation, awareness workshops, and school-level counseling for adolescent girls, especially in all-girls schools.

Male Objectification in Jokha Alharthi’s Celestial Bodies: A Deconstructive Reading

This paper explores the often-overlooked issue of male objectification in literature, using Jokha Alharthi’s novel Celestial Bodies (2019) to illustrate the concept. While traditional objectification theory focuses primarily on the objectification of women, this study seeks to broaden the conversation by analyzing how male objectification is depicted in the novel. This paper utilizes a deconstructive reading to examine how the novel depicts both men and women fighting against objectification and oppression. In addition, the study examines the evolution of Feminism in traditional Arabic society and sheds light on the role of literature in challenging societal norms and advancing critical thinking. By uncovering the multiple meanings and perspectives within the text, this study contributes to a broader discussion of objectification in literature and society. This paper suggests that Jokha Alharthi’s Celestial Bodies is an important contribution to feminist discourse and an essential read for those interested in understanding the intersectionality of gender and objectification in literature.

Formy męskości i kobiecości we wczesnej twórczości Szczepana Twardocha

The forms of masculinity and femininity in Twardoch’s early works arise from a patriarchal and conservative vision of the world. Studying various aspects of these issues, the writer created characters representing the model of “internal” masculinity based on higher values (god, honour,fatherland) and “external” masculinity based on material status, appearance, domination, violence, etc. Both models determine the social role of women, reducing them to a sexual object: a mother or a domestic servant. The writer presented patriarchy as beneficial to women; thecharacters who rejected him quickly became unhappy. Twardoch’s later works broke this pattern, which led him to consider the crisis of masculinity.

The Sexual Objectification of Women in the Nigerian Entertainment Industry

The growing prevalence of pornography coupled with the influence of patriarchy on the Nigerian entertainment industry has made the objectification of womanhood a perceptible feature of films and musical videos produced by Nigerians. Using secondary sources and critical observations, this paper, attempts to illustrate the phenomenon of women’s sexual objectification in the Nollywood and Nigerian music industry. The paper defines the concept of women sexual objectification in the context of media production arguing that objectification is revealed by the types of camera angles and positions used in depicting women in filmic and pop video productions. The use of close-ups or medium range shots emphasizing the sexuality and sumptuousness of female characters in films or pop-videos are some of the techniques used by apologists of women’s sexual objectification. Sexual objectification thus entails making women characters in a filmic or musical production the object to be looked at or the spectacle to enjoy. The paper also shows how the sexual objectification of womanhood is manifested in selected Nollywood films and musical videos by Nigerian popular artistes. In the light of the selected pop videos and films, the paper argues that the types of camera movements and angles deployed in most Nigerian pop videos and Nollywood films are in line with the male gaze theory. These camera movements and angles systemically help depict the woman as a spectacle in itself as well as a sexual object. They also project the man as the reader of the meaning while “relegating” the woman to the status of the bearer of the meaning.

Is Body Surveillance Trivial? A Model of Body Dissatisfaction in Women based on the Sociocultural Model, Self-Determination Theory and Objectification Theory

Is Body Surveillance Trivial? A Model of Body Dissatisfaction in Women based on the Sociocultural Model, Self-Determination Theory and Objectification Theory

Views of healthcare professionals on gender roles: A qualitative study

ProblemGender equality is one of the most important determinants of health. Discriminatory interventions, values, beliefs, and prejudices of healthcare professionals during their service affect health adversely. BackgroundThere is not adequate information about the views of healthcare professionals on gender roles. AimThis study was conducted to understand and define the views of healthcare professionals involved in the health system on gender roles. MethodsThis study was performed using the “phenomenological method,” one of the qualitative research methods. A total of 28 healthcare professionals - 10 midwives, 12 nurses, and 6 doctors - were included in the research. Individual in-depth interviews were held with the healthcare professionals included in the study. FindingsAs a result of the descriptive analysis performed after the individual interviews about the views of healthcare professionals on gender roles, 6 main themes were determined. These themes are (1) the neglect of women by society, (2) using force on women, (3) seeing women as sexual objects, (4) having a say in society, (5) glorified masculinity and femininity roles, and (6) gender equality. DiscussionIn this study, healthcare professionals expressed that women were neglected by societies since gender roles were determined by patriarchal societies. This situation adversely influences the health of individuals. Importance should be attached to equality between women and men to improve health. Healthcare professionals who support equality will improve the quality of care. ConclusionHealthcare professionals should provide equitable services without discrimination. This equitable care they provide will positively affect the health of individuals.

The Objectification of the Covered: Understanding Muslim Female Students’ Passivity in Physical Activities

Patriarchal culture in Indonesia affects vast aspects of social life, including in schools where students acquire an understanding of gender. One of the prominent gender issues in social encounters within a patriarchal culture is the uniquely female experiences of objectification at school. This article draws on data from a qualitative study on Muslim female students in an Indonesian Islamic Middle School to understand female students’ experience of objectification by applying a psychosocial feminist objectification theory (Fredrickson and Robert, 1997). The study finds that non-sexual objectifying treatment from male peers is manifested in male gazes and comments on women’s general physical appearance, and specifically on Islamic apparel—the veil and modest Muslim style clothing. More direct sexual objectification occurs in the form of male gazes and sexual comments on certain body parts, such as the chest and hips. These experiences are understood by female students’ male-centered understanding of the Islamic feminine ideal which contributes to their withdrawal from physical activities at school as in Physical Education and art performance courses. This research argues for separate PE classes as a temporary alternative for the sake of female students’ participation.

Body Maps Depict How Sexual Objectification Shapes Non-Binary People Relating to Their Bodies

ABSTRACT The purpose of this art-based study was to work with non-binary people to explore the impact of their sexual objectification experiences (SOEs) on their relationships with their bodies. Ten non-binary people completed body maps, or artistic representations of their bodies in the context of sexual objectification. Results revealed an idiosyncratic, complicated picture of mixed metaphors and powerful imagery illustrating non-binary SOEs. Themes included a focus on sex characteristics where participants played with nudity, censorship, and boundaries to express and assert themselves. Other forms of expression involved language, facial, gender and cultural expression as well as nature imagery and pain. Participants spoke to their positive, interesting, and challenging experience with the body map itself. Psychologists and clinicians are encouraged to follow best practices when working with non-binary people experiencing sexual objectification, paying attention to how heterogeneous gender identities create unique experiences.

Primping, performing, and policing: Social media use and self-sexualization among U.S. White, Black, and Asian-American adolescent girls

Objectification theorists argue that routine sexual objectification, experienced interpersonally and via the media, encourages women and adolescent girls to value their external appearance and sexiness above other bodily experiences and competencies. Commonly, tests of this theory have linked exposure to sexualizing media content (i.e., TV, music videos, social media) to self-objectification and subsequently to consequences such as disordered eating among predominantly White samples. Do these analyses extend to U.S. girls of color and to broader well-being consequences? Using structural equation modeling, we tested theorized connections among 884 adolescent girls aged 13–18, including 391 White girls, 248 Black girls, and 245 Asian American girls. Participants completed surveys assessing their use of several social media platforms, social media engagement, self-sexualization, mental health symptoms, self-esteem, and body shame. We also examined age, racial identity, and racial composition of peer group as moderators. The model worked as expected for the full sample, with social media use and engagement predicting greater self-sexualization, which in turn was associated with diminished well-being. However, the model fit was worse for the White girls than for girls of color, and some constructs operated differently. Implications for future research with girls and possible media interventions are discussed.

A conceptual framework of the sexual objectification of women in music videos

Feminist theory has extensively explored the sexualization of women’s images across time. Women are sexually objectified in music videos, TV series, ads, cinema, video games, and other types of audiovisual content. Scholarship has acknowledged, for instance, that women’s visual objectification in news, publicity, and cinema can lead to discrimination and gender-based violence. Audiovisual content is especially impactful, while digital content has a broader and more immediate reach than other types of content. On the one hand, the consumption of music videos and other digital content among minors is rising. On the other hand, music videos influence the normalization of gender violence and gender stereotypes in girls and boys. Despite its importance, until now, there is no conceptual framework of the sexualization of women in music videos. What elements compose the sexual objectification of women in music videos? What dimensions does it encompass? Can they be operationalized to serve as a basis for further analysis? Based on a literature review and analysis by three gender experts of five of the most popular music videos on YouTube in 2020, this article offers a new framework that can serve as a reference. This topic is especially relevant in the age of platforms because, once these videos are online in the public domain, they become the basis for biased algorithmic decision-making.

“In the Land of Dance”: Unpacking Sexualization and the Wellbeing of Girls in Competitive Dance

ABSTRACT In many dance competitions in North America, performances of sexualized choreography have become normalized. One result is that bodies of girl dancers are increasingly constructed as sexual objects. Sexual objectification is highly problematic for the development of girls’ self-identities, body image, psychological health, and overall wellbeing. Based on feminist perspectives on the body and data from feminist ethnography, this article investigates how objectification of young, female bodies in dance is reinforced through embodiment and repetition of sexualized movement and how it can negatively impact identity development and wellbeing. This research emphasizes that social-cultural processes of sexualization acting on the bodies and lives of young girls who dance should be of concern to all dance educators and privately-operated studios and suggests strategies for cultivating resistance and alternative approaches.

The Challenges and Possibilities of a Pedagogy of Flow as a Foil to Self-Objectification in the Ballet Classroom

ABSTRACT Flow states have been linked to positive emotions, optimal focus, productivity, and a stronger sense of self through learning. Past research has confirmed that dancers experience flow, that flow in dance is related to spirituality and community connectedness, and that environmental factors can inhibit or facilitate dancing flow. This exploratory research (1) illuminates the potential of flow to mitigate the effects of self-objectification and related eating and body image disturbances by connecting literature on flow, dance, and eating disorders through objectification theory, (2) proposes a pedagogy of flow for the ballet classroom informed by this body of research, (3) describes implementation in an intermediate level ballet class in a university setting including reflective writing from students to illustrate their experience of outlined approaches, and (4) delineates the successes, limitations, and challenges of this approach alongside recommendations for future research on flow states and self-objectification in the ballet classroom.

LOVE AND AFFECTION BEYOND THE BINARY: AN ANALYSIS OF SELECTED CONTEMPORARY TRANSGENDER FILMS

Judith Butler in the essay Performative Acts and Gender Constitution, observes " Gender is an identity through repeated bodily acts. Therefore, gender is performative, not a fixed identity" Butler (2002). This understanding of gender as performative challenges the traditional view that gender is determined by biology and opens up possibilities for individuals to express their gender in ways that are not necessarily tied to their sex assigned at birth. Among these gender identities, India has always stereotyped minority groups, including queer communities. Transgender people find their gender identity different from the sex determined at birth. The patriarchal systems of society are to blame for the struggle and humiliation, regardless of whether it is social, personal, or financial. Media can represent a limited array of images and ideas that could form unique versions which might differ from reality. In order to reflect the variety of people in a changing society, queer people have indeed been presented differently in popular culture. Movies can influence minds to a large extent, so representations and portrayals become crucial. Many films have failed to portray real trans lives, often drawing them as sexual objects, social outcastes, and minorities. This paper focuses on the portrayal of love and affection in Indian trans movies and how they have elevated with time.

SOCIAL CONCERNS IN MAHASHWETA DEVI’S MOTHER OF 1084

Mahasweta Devi is known not only for her political writings but her tremendous contribution towards landless laborers in eastern India where she worked for years. Her close connection with these communities gave her a deep insight to understand and write about these grassroots-level issues, thus making her a socio-political commentator of the marginalized community. As an eminent Bengali writer and social activist, writing in the mid-1900s, she did not shy away from pointing out the injustices prevalent in society. This paper deals with her novel titled ‘Mother of 1084’ and depicts the helplessness of a mother who gets acquainted with her son’s ideal after his death. The trauma of the tragic death of her son haunts her throughout the novel and makes her an aggrieved mother. The novel honestly depicts the trauma and psychological disturbances of a mother who has lost her son. ‘Mother of 1084’ at one end openly criticized the brutality of the government and the police in counteracting the Naxalite movement, while on the other end highlighted the political consciousness of a mother. It portrays many aspects of Indian society as well as the political state of West Bengal in the seventies where youth were ruthlessly suppressed by the government. The present paper also explores how she belongs to a male-dominated society that considers women as an object of sex, neglected and subjugated beings, and how she revolts against the traditional established system and trembles the base of that rotten society.

Examining an integrated sociocultural and objectification model of thinness- and muscularity-oriented disordered eating in Chinese older men and women.

We tested an integrated model of three prominent theories of disordered eating (tripartite influence theory, objectification theory, and social comparison theory) in a sample of older Chinese men and women. Chinese older men (n = 270) and women (n = 160) completed questionnaires assessing the tripartite influence, objectification, and social comparison theories and thinness- and muscularity-oriented disordered eating. Two structural equation models were tested in Chinese older men and women. The integrated model showed good model fit and described meaningful variance in thinness- and muscularity-oriented disordered eating in Chinese older men and women. Higher appearance pressures were uniquely related to higher muscularity-oriented disordered eating in men. Across both gender groups, higher thinness internalization was uniquely related to higher thinness- and muscularity-oriented disordered eating, and in women only, higher muscularity internalization was uniquely related to lower thinness-oriented disordered eating. In men, higher upward and downward body image comparisons were uniquely related to higher and lower, respectively, muscularity-oriented disordered eating. In women, higher upward body image comparisons were only uniquely related to higher muscularity-oriented disordered eating while higher downward body image comparisons were uniquely related to both outcomes. Higher body shame was uniquely related to higher thinness-oriented disordered eating across both groups and in men alone, higher body shame was also uniquely related to higher muscularity-oriented disordered eating. Findings, which tested the integration of tripartite influence, objectification, and social comparison theories, inform the prevention and treatment of disordered eating in Chinese older populations. The present study is the first to describe theories of disordered eating (tripartite influence, objectification, and social comparison) in Chinese older adults. Findings suggested good model fit and the integrated models described meaningful variance in thinness- and muscularity-oriented disordered eating in Chinese older women and men. Findings extend existing theories of disordered eating and, pending further study, may inform theory-driven prevention and treatment approaches in Chinese older adults.

PORTRAYAL OF WOMEN IN ADVERTISING INDUSTRY OF PAKISTAN

Advertising is one of the most powerful and effective tool that directly affect the buying behavior of consumers also it shapes people's perception of beauty, gender roles, and societal norms. Women representation and their objectification in advertisements have received attention throughout the world in general and particular in Pakistan. In Pakistan, the advertising industry has historically depicted women in stereotypical and objectified roles, perpetuating gender inequality and reinforcing traditional gender roles. In many Pakistani advertisements, portrayal of women is as subservient and passive with dependency upon men. Furthermore, women are often sexualized and objectified in advertisements, reducing them to mere objects of desire. This study emphasizes that how media build objectified descriptions of beauty gadget of desire, leisure rather than human. This study argues that how the stress of beauty and perfection build by media can be harmful for women and especially for young girls. This study discus the ethical issues of operating women as a sexual object by advertisers in marketing industry. This study also discuss despite these negative trends, there are some positive developments in the advertising industry in Pakistan. Some advertisements have started to challenge traditional gender roles by showing women in non-traditional roles and promoting gender equality. However, these examples are still few and far between. A semeiotic analysis through purposive sampling technique has been adopted to analyze the data. Keywords: Sexual Objectifications, Famine Beauty, Women in Advertisements, Gender, Stereotype.

PORTRAYAL OF WOMEN IN ADVERTISING INDUSTRY OF PAKISTAN

Advertising is one of the most powerful and effective tool that directly affect the buying behavior of consumers also it shapes people's perception of beauty, gender roles, and societal norms. Women representation and their objectification in advertisements have received attention throughout the world in general and particular in Pakistan. In Pakistan, the advertising industry has historically depicted women in stereotypical and objectified roles, perpetuating gender inequality and reinforcing traditional gender roles. In many Pakistani advertisements, portrayal of women is as subservient and passive with dependency upon men. Furthermore, women are often sexualized and objectified in advertisements, reducing them to mere objects of desire. This study emphasizes that how media build objectified descriptions of beauty gadget of desire, leisure rather than human. This study argues that how the stress of beauty and perfection build by media can be harmful for women and especially for young girls. This study discus the ethical issues of operating women as a sexual object by advertisers in marketing industry. This study also discuss despite these negative trends, there are some positive developments in the advertising industry in Pakistan. Some advertisements have started to challenge traditional gender roles by showing women in non-traditional roles and promoting gender equality. However, these examples are still few and far between. A semeiotic analysis through purposive sampling technique has been adopted to analyze the data. Keywords: Sexual Objectifications, Famine Beauty, Women in Advertisements, Gender, Stereotype.

Self-objectification and career aspirations among young Chinese women: the roles of self-esteem and career decision-making self-efficacy.

This study explored the relationship between self-objectification and career aspirations among young women from the perspective of objectification theory. A sample of 439 Chinese undergraduate women completed questionnaires on self-objectification, self-esteem, career decision-making self-efficacy, and career aspirations. The results revealed that self-objectification was negatively correlated with self-esteem, career decision-making self-efficacy, and career aspirations. Self-esteem and career decision-making self-efficacy, both independently and serially, mediated the association between self-objectification and career aspirations. These results provide a better understanding of the negative consequences of self-objectification for career aspirations.

Висвітлення образів військовослужбовиць в українських медіа в період російсько-української війни

The study aims to propose a typology of servicewomen’s images promoted by the Ukrainian media during the Russo-Ukrainian war. Qualitative content analysis was used as a research method. The study was based on 50 articles about women in the Armed Forces of Ukraine published between November 2020 and May 2023. The timeframe was chosen given the event that marked the strengthening of the Ukrainian government’s course to the further development and promotion of gender equality in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, namely the ratification of the National Action Plan for Resolution 1325 – “Women, Peace and Security” for the period up to 2025. The articles were selected based on several keywords: women, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, women in the military, and gender equality. The Russo-Ukrainian war has given rise to the promotion of various images of female soldiers in the media. The media offers its audience two types of servicewomen images: 1) a conservative image based on the stereotypical perceptions of women; 2) a counter-stereotypical image that rejects clichés and destroys gender stereotypes. The conservative typification of images of servicewomen, as a demonstration of society’s concern about women performing combat missions that contradict traditional ideas of masculinity and femininity, not only reinforces the idea of traditional stereotypical roles of women but also challenges the prospects of participation of women in combat. The multifaceted gender stereotypical images – “Beauty in uniform”, “Model for a glossy magazine”, “First of all a Woman”, “Beloved Woman”, and “Mother” – are permeated by benevolent sexism against women, which has three components: paternalism, gender differentiation, and heterosexual intimacy. The image “Person with special domestic needs” focuses on physiological processes related to the female reproductive system. This content of the image conveys the assumption that women can face an uncomfortable situation when it is challenging to perform the necessary hygienic measures, and this can hinder them from being in the war zone. The counter-stereotypical typification manifested in the “Professional Soldier” and “Rebel” images contribute to overcoming stereotypical perceptions and shaping a society where women have equal rights and opportunities to realize these rights. Creating the “Professional Soldier” image, the media assume that the main prerequisite for a professional warrior is not gender but professional competencies. The “Rebel” image of a servicewoman represents a new generation of women who openly declare their right to be whatever they want and join the military to eliminate the “weaker sex” stereotype. The emphasis on masculinity in the “Rebel” image indicates that, despite the increase in women, the media still perceives the army as a masculine organization. Both conservative-stereotypical and counter-stereotypical images, such as “Sexual Object” and “Lesbian”, can be created for purely commercial interests or as a marketing ploy to attract the audience.

Sexual objectification and depression among female college students in India

Background: Literature suggests that the prevalence of depression among female college students is more than that of male students. Repeated sexual objectification of females appears to be one factor that can be used to explain this disparity and higher prevalence of depression in female students can be attributed to repeated experiences of sexual objectification by them. This study examines the association between sexual objectification and depression among female college students at a medical college in Rajasthan, India. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among female medical students attending a government medical college in Rajasthan, India. We used the Interpersonal Sexual Objectification Scale, the surveillance subscale of the Objective Body Consciousness Scale and, the Beck Depression Inventory-II to measure sexual objectification, body surveillance and depressive symptoms respectively. Results: Sexual objectification and body surveillance strongly predicted the severity of depressive symptoms(p=0.00001). Results of the multiple linear regression indicated that there was a strong collective significant effect between sexual objectification, body surveillance, and depression, (p = 0.0001, R2 = 0.63). The coefficient of multiple correlation (R, 0.79) showed a strong correlation between the predicted data and the observed data. Conclusion: Sexual objectification is a strong predictor of depression among female college students.