Chigoziri Ene 

Writing for the Sciences 

Professor Zayas 

Literature Review 

Mar. 21, 2023

 

                                                Health Impact of Objectifying Women  

Introduction 

Living in a patriarchal society often doesn’t favor women. Throughout history we have seen that men have been seen to possess greater value than women and therefore superior on a social and cultural level. This  plays out into society’s standard on what is acceptable or pleasing. As a result of this system, women are often groomed to live up to the standard of men and that of society. A deeply integrated part of a patriarchal society would be objectification. Focusing on the effects of objectification of women, this paper will analyze its correlation between women’s sexual lifestyle and their sexual health. 

What’s objectification? 

Objectification can be defined as the viewing of a person (woman) on a subconscious level as an object to either be used for sexual purposes (sex-based objectification) or viewed for the quality of their physical appearance (beauty based objectification), (Chevallereau et al., 2021). Self-objectification is when a woman internalizes this message and begins to view herself as an object to be viewed and used for the pleasures of men. (Szymanski et al., 2021). Moreover,in Szymanski’s work, Fredrickson and Roberts (1997) developed the Objectification theory, which is the belief that sexual objectification can negatively contribute to a woman’s health in both direct and indirect means. With the primary focus of this paper being sexual objectification, we will further examine its true extent on women’s physical health in addition to the discussed effects in the objectification theory. 

Impact of objectification 

Being viewed as objects puts women in a vulnerable position, seeing as a woman’s  acknowledgment of existence is based on the ability to satisfy the sexual desires and fantasy of a man. Sexual objectification (SO) is so deeply embedded in our society that women experience it in a cultural, immersive, and interpersonal way (Szymanski et al., 2021). Examples of cultural SO would be the ongoing representation of women in the media. An example of immersive SO include modeling, beauty pageants, etc. And, interpersonal SO include catcalling and body evaluations. Each of these examples are brief insights to the constant struggles of being a woman, in which  you are always recognized by your body first, then sometimes as a ‘person’ depending on your ability to meet an absurd standard. 

 

Dehumanization occurs when an individual is deprived of Human Nature (HN) characteristics (such as depth, emotionality, etc) and Human Uniqueness (HU) Characteristics (such as maturity, ability to think, civility, etc). “The denial of HN leads to the perception of individuals as object-or robot-like,” which is consistent with objectification (Chevallereau et al., 2021, p.1219). The objectification of women often deprives them of depth/substance and recognized ability to express and have emotion. Whereas “[the] denial of HU leads to the perception of individuals as animal- or child-like”, which further depicts the extent of objectification (Chevallereau et al., 2021, p.1219). As previously stated, to be viewed as an object is a result of being denied the recognition of the ability to express and have emotions. Emotions are in layman terms are portrayals of our moods, which influence our ability to think and process things. In essence, the denial of the ability to think, and feel equates the victim to an object that can be easily mistaken as animal or child whose emotions are not necessarily prioritized. 

Experiencing Sexual Objectification (SO) 

As previously mentioned, women experience Sexual Objectification in cultural, immersive, and interpersonal ways. Each experience is interconnected and all come together to define what it means to be a woman in today’s society. A cultural experience of SO would be women’s representation in the media. Understand that culture is a way of life. It’s passed on from generation to generation. It’s the centerpiece that holds the four walls of a home, a classroom, a group chat amongst friends,etc. An example of cultural sexual objectification would be music.  The role of the music industry in the objectification of women, has been repeatedly analyzed. The discussed music genre is mainstream pop music in America, with the focus being the visual representation in these music videos that make up the Hot 100 Billboard charts of 2007 and 2008. Which can be applicable to the music consumed by the majority today. Music is often is  known for its “emphasis on women’s sexual appeal and [reinforcing] the stereotype of women as sex objects, existing primarily for the pleasure of male spectators” (Aubrey S. et al, 2011, p. 360). Meaning, the message sent out to the public is to recognize women by body first which further solidifies the grip of objectification on society. Interestingly, this message is often carried out a lot more by women which illustrates the extent of self- objectification and the need to meet the unspoken expectations bestowed on them. Which continues the cycle, where society internalizes the messages of objectification, then sells this story to the public which includes: impressionable women, men who already practice objectification, and children who begin to internalize these messages and see no wrong in it because they know no better. Thus bringing us to the effects of all these internalization. With the music industry essentially giving a green light to objectification, it’s no surprise a sense power imbalance is put forth unto society. Where a man feels superior and in control of women. Seeing as all women are good for is sex, they can either use their bodies to manipulate men or please men (Aubrey S. et al, 2011). But really never for their own pleasure. This concept can be described as adversarial sexual briefs. 

 

However, it is not that the music industry purposefully places an emphasis on women’s sexual appeal and continuing the objectification cycles. Because in the words of Aristotle, “Art is a mirror of reality”. Meaning  that the music industry and its message are simply a reflection of what is generally expected of women. A mere reflection of the reality of a woman. 

Effects of Adversarial Sexual Beliefs 

With adversarial sexual beliefs, comes a feeling of entitlement towards sex. Where men believe they have the final say in sex with little regards to a woman’s consent. Which results in the reality where women begin to fear men for their safety. Understand that interpersonal experiences such as catcalling come with an implicit threat of sexual violence (Szymanski et al., 2021). Which is why  a man would catcall a woman and get really angry when she’s not receptive, because how dare she say no?! The constant threat of sexual violence is reflected in the high rates of sexual violence perpetrated by men (Szymanski et al., 2021). Thus resulting in fear of race which comes with the high possibilities of unwanted pregnancies, and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) 

Health impacts of Objectification 

The extent of women’s fear can be further examined in the work of Phaladze & Tlou (2006). The focused region of their research being Botswana, during the HIV/AIDS epidemic of Sub-Saharan Africa. A risk factor for women during this pandemic was “[c]ultural factors preventing women from negotiating safer sex” which included men’s distaste for condoms, men’s tendencies to have multiple affairs, and men’s assumption of women’s inability to “make healthy and sensible choices”. Interestingly enough, the men with superior intelligence seemed unaware of the fact that having a STI increases the likelihood of HIV transmission (Phaladze & Tlou, 2006, p. 26-27). Botswana, like the US, is a patriarchal society that values men over women, and displays male dominance in practically every aspect of society (economy, culture, etc). 

 

The possibility of getting an STI is still a risk for anyone engaging in sexual intercourse, but women seem to be at a greater risk. Not a lot of research has been done in the US concerning objectification and STI rates in women. However, with the research done in Botswana during a STI epidemic, we have some insights to our research topic. We can see the power play involved in sex. Where the man views the woman as an object to satisfy his sexual desires and needs but incapable of having needs and cognitive abilities. Automatically putting the man in charge. He dictates whether or not safe sex will be carried out with readily available contraceptives such as condoms. Which oftentimes means unprotected sex that is practiced with the multiple women the man chooses to have sex with. Thus increasing the possibility of getting and giving STIs to each partner especially when the symptoms are asymptomatic.  

 

Conclusion 

To recapitulate, objectification of women is practiced at every level of today’s society. Forcing women to experience it on a constant basis. Resulting in fear of men, rape, unwanted pregnancy, sexual assault, and so much more. This practice is dehumanizing as it deprives women human nature and human uniqueness characteristics, putting at the mercy of men. As a result of objectification, women face a greater risk of getting an STI. 

 

Reference list 

Aubrey J. S., Hopper M., Mbure W. G. (2011) Check That Body! The Effects of Sexually Objectifying Music Videos on College Men’s Sexual Beliefs. Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media . 55(3), 2011, pp. 360–379DOI: 10.1080/08838151.2011.597469

 

Chevallereau T. , Maurage P. , Stinglhamber F., Demoulin S. (2021). Sex-based and beauty-based objectification: Metadehumanization and emotional consequences among victims. British Journal of Social Psychology . 2021 Oct;60(4):1218-1240. doi: 10.1111/bjso.12446.

 

Phaladze N. , Tlou S. (2006). Gender and HIV/AIDS in Botswana: A Focus on Inequalities and Discrimination. Taylor & Francis. Vol. 14, No. 1, 23-35 DOI: 10.1080/13552070500518095

Szymanski D., Swanson C.S, Carretta R. F. (2020). Interpersonal Sexual Objectification, Fear of Rape, and U.S. College Women’s Depression. Springer Nature. 84:720–730. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-020-01194-2