pone.0221388

Research Overview

  • Title: What drives female objectification? An investigation of appearance-based interpersonal perceptions and the objectification of women.

  • Authors: Dax J. Kellie, Khandis R. Blake, Robert C. Brooks.

  • Institution: Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.

Abstract Overview

  • Previous findings indicate that both men and women perceive sexualized women as lacking mental and moral qualities.

  • Two studies conducted:

    • Study 1: Rated images of women in different outfits on attractiveness, sexual intent, and age (N = 279).

    • Study 2: Rated the same images on objectification dimensions (agency and patiency) (N = 1,695).

  • Findings suggest women perceived as more open to casual sex are attributed less mental capacity and moral status.

  • Attractiveness is linked to higher perceived mental and moral status; age has limited impact.

Introduction

  • Objectification Defined: Viewing individuals as instruments for sexual purposes, often resulting in the denial of their humanity.

  • Research shows these perceptions can lead to psychological depletion and affect cognitive performance.

  • Women internalizing objectification experience negative consequences, such as body shame and reduced social interactions.

Key Concepts

Objectification Effects

  • Impact on Women: Objectified women are viewed as having less mental capacity, deserving of less moral treatment, increasing susceptibility to aggression.

  • Variability in Objectification: Factors like clothing, sexualization, and societal norms influence levels of objectification.

Theoretical Framework

  • Conceptualizes mind and moral perception using two dimensions:

    • Mental Agency: Capacity to act intentionally and with self-restraint.

    • Moral Patiency: Ability to experience pain and be subject to moral considerations.

  • Objectification results in attributions resembling those given to animals or objects when both dimensions are perceived as lacking.

Studies Summary

Study 1 Findings

  • Participants rated women's likelihood of casual sex, attractiveness, and age.

  • Notable Gender Differences in Ratings of Sexual Intent:

    • Males rated sexual intent higher than females overall.

Study 2 Findings

  • Assessed attributions of mental and moral status:

    • Both genders rated women with higher perceived casual sex intent as having lower agency and patiency.

    • Attractive women were seen as possessing more capability for self-restraint and moral responsibility.

Discussion and Conclusions

  • Main Findings:

    • Increased objectification is associated with higher judgments of sexual openness in women.

    • Attractiveness can mitigate objectification, while age-related perceptions appear to have less influence.

    • Evidence of sexism: Male participants generally attribute less agency and moral capacity.

  • Suggests the need for further investigations on the complex relationships among perceptions leading to objectification.