Chigoziri Ene 

Writing for the Sciences 

Professor Zayas 

Research paper Draft 

May. 20, 2023

Health Impacts of Objectifying Women  

Introduction 

 The sociological definition of a patriarchy is a system of social organization that 

recognizes, encourages, and reproduces the seemingly natural and necessary domination of men over women. This places men as superior on a social and cultural level as illustrated throughout history in society’s standard of what is acceptable or pleasing, resulting in women often being groomed to live up to the standard of men and that of society. A deeply integrated part of a patriarchal society would be the dehumanizing practice of objectification. Analysis will be made of its integration in our society through cultural, immersive, and interpersonal means. In addition, the role of objectification in adversarial sexual beliefs, coupled with the influence sex education in a patriarchal society, that results in fear of men, rape, and unwanted pregnancies will be examined. This paper will essentially analyze the effects of objectification on women’s sexual lifestyle, mental, physical, and sexual health. With our findings we hoped to bring awareness to the importance of a woman’s consent and the recognition that women are human beings. 

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, Fredrickson and Roberts (1997, as cited in Szymanski et al., 2021) 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, and the current sexual education in our highschool programs. An example of immersive SO include modeling, beauty pageants, etc. Whereas, interpersonal SO includes 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 have emotions and essentially think. The victim is equated to an object that can be easily mistaken as an animal or child whose emotions are not necessarily prioritized.  

Experiencing Sexual Objectification (SO) through media 

As previously stated, 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, and is 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 (Aubrey et al, 2011).  Despite the fifteen to sixteen year difference, there’s not that much difference in the message of the music industry. Examples of the 2008’s Hot 100 Top Billboard, include but are not limited to the following: Lollipop by Lil Wayne, Love in This Club by Usher Ft. Young Jeezy, and Touch My Body  by Mariah Carey. Whereas the examples of the 2023’s Hot 100 Top Billboard, include but are not limited to the following: Unholy by Sam Smith, Under The Influence by Chris Brown, Super Freaky Girl by Nicki Minaj, and Tomorrow 2 by GloRilla and Cardi B. Although the quality of the cinematography has progressed, there’s still the constant display of close to naked women, dances that bring attention to particular body parts such as the breasts and a woman’s backside, and sexually charged lyrics and scenes in the music videos. For example, the 2008 Lollipop, states “She-she-she lick me like a lollipop (yeah)”. This demonstrates the previously mentioned sexually charged lyrics as it discusses oral sex being performed by a woman to the artist in a boastful manner. Whereas the 2023 Under The Influence, states “I can make it hurricane on it. Hunnid bands, make it rain on it. Tie it up, put a chain on it. Make you tattoo my name on it”. The artist interchangeably refers both the referenced woman’s sex organ and the woman as ‘it’ while discussing all the sexual things that the artist will do to ‘it’. With both songs we can see that women are only recognized for their sexual prowess and the sexual gratification they can provide to men, as per the entitled tone of both artists. 

Music is often 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 comes Adversarial sexual beliefs. Which is the view of  women as only good for sex, that women can either use their bodies to manipulate men or please men, never really for their own pleasure. (Aubrey S. et al, 2011). With the belief comes a power imbalance that implies the man is in total control of a woman and sex.

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 (ASB)

With adversarial sexual beliefs (ASB), comes little to no regard of a woman’s 

consent. Resulting in the reality where women begin to fear men for their safety, as demonstrated by interpersonal experiences such as catcalling that come with implicit threats of sexual violence (Szymanski et al., 2021). Which explains why a man would catcall a woman and get visibly upset when she’s not receptive, because it is given that the woman has no say in the matter. The constant threat of sexual violence is reflected in the high rates of sexual violence perpetrated by men (Szymanski et al., 2021). Thus creating the reality of fear of rape which comes with the high possibilities of unwanted pregnancies, and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). 

ASB and U.S Sexual Education 

The grip of ASB is further solidified through the current sexual education system 

in our highschools. The clear cut difference in how sex is taught to boys and girls places an  emphasis on men’s sexual desires and given role of women of child bearing, generating a culture that encourages ASB and practices victim blaming in attempts to curb the increasing rates of sexual violences. Our current focus on “preventing victimization neglects the role of the perpetrator in violence” and has only resulted in a narrative where only the victim’s (women) action are scrutinized, and the given that women are to fit the objectified standard of beauty but not be too attractive in order to prevent sexual violence (Schneider & Hirsch, 2020, p.440) . There is no ongoing narrative that holds the perpetrator accountable for their beliefs and actions, that goes beyond empty condolences to the victim and acknowledgment of the illness of the situation. 

An alumni recounts her eleventh grade sexual education experiences in Great 

Neck North High School (GNNHS), and her testimonies often involved lessons about fun facts concerning the male genitalia including matters such as erection, nocturnal emissions, and it’s role as the “primary sex organ”, whereas the female genitalia was “denied in its sexuality” as it discussed in terms of pregnancy (Hakimi, 2018). With this difference in sex education, coupled with the message of the music industry, we can see why there’s an power imbalance when it comes to sex as both mediums dictate that women are to be used to satisfy men’s sexual gratification and child bearing. 

Addressing these cultural norms surrounding sex, will prove more effective in 

curbing rates of sexual violence as the risk factors of these acts are essentially tied to these sexual norms on individual, peer-relationship, and romantic-relationship levels. Examples of individual risk factors include having sexual fantasies that are fused with sexual violence tendencies, having ASB and hostility towards women, practicing victim blaming, etc. Examples of peer-relationship risk factor include peer pressure that encourages sexual aggression or having sex, the approval of forced sex by peers, etc. While romantic-relationship risk factors include being in a casual relationship, and interrelationship conflict (Casey & Lindhorst, 2009; Heise, 1998 as cited in Schneider & Hirsch, 2020). By addressing these sexual norms, we can work towards changing the ongoing narrative surrounding sexual violence of all kinds. 

Sexual 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”. It was interesting to see the men’s (the ones with the absolute say) level of ignorance concerning STIs, because there was a general lack of knowledge 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 display of the power play involved in sex with men viewing the woman as an object to satisfy his sexual desires and needs but incapable of having needs and cognitive abilities. Which automatically puts the man in charge, allowing him to dictate 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.  

Physical Health impacts that stem from the Mental stressors of Objectification 

There’s been a noticeable increase in women’s alchol consumption as it serves as 

women’s coping mechanism for dealing with the effects of objectification. Living with the constant fear of men and sexual violence, and the pressure of objectification has repeatedly proven to result in psychological stressors such as unipolar depression, eating disorders, and sexual dysfunction that come from internalizing all of this through self-objectification (Baildon et al. 2021). Women have begun to turn to alcohol to cope with this constant pressure, but this coping mechanism comes with problems of its own. Women absorb alcohol more quickly compared to men, putting them at a higher risk for memory loss from blackout drinking making them more vulnerable to sexual victimization and STIs, in addition to disruption of menstrual cycle and infertility which results in diminished worth as a woman in the eyes of society (Baildon et al. 2021). With the increase in women’s alchol consumption, we see the ongoing unhealthy cycle that seems to exacerbate the effects of objectification and self-objectification as alcohol increases the likelihood of rape, and the possibility of infertility which means women will fail in fulfilling their ‘obligations’ of child rearing, and resulting in shame. 

Conclusion 

To recapitulate, objectification of women is a dehumanizing act that is practiced 

at every level of today’s society. This practice is dehumanizing as it deprives women of human nature and human uniqueness characteristics, putting them at the mercy of men. Forcing women to experience it on a constant basis through cultural, immersive, and interpersonal means. Which tremendously influences the public’s  perception of matters concerning women and sex, bringing us to concepts such as Adversarial Sexual Beliefs that strengthen the hold of objectification in society. Resulting in fear of men, rape, unwanted pregnancy, sexual assault, and so much more. As a result of objectification, women face a greater risk of getting an STI, and risk becoming alcoholics. 

There’s an ongoing lack of research concerning the physical effects of 

objectification, though there are many concerning the psychological effects. With this research we can help better illustrate the effects of objectification by offering a wholesome research of the detrimental effects of objectification on women. 

References 

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. 360–379 doi: 10.1080/08838151.2011.597469

 

Baildon, E. A., Eagan R. S., Christ C. C.,  Lorenz T., Stoltenberg F. S.,  Gervais J. S., (2021). The Sexual Objectification and Alcohol Use Link: The Mediating Roles of Self-Objectification, Enjoyment of Sexualization, Body Shame, and Drinking Motives. Springer Nature. Sex Roles (2021) 85:190–204 

 

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.

 

Hakimi L. (2018, June). Differences In Sex Education For Boys And Girls. Retrieved from https://greatneckrecord.com/differences-in-sex-education-for-boys-and-girls/

 

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

 

Schneider M., Hirsch S. J., (2020). Comprehensive Sexuality Education as a Primary Prevention Strategy for Sexual Violence Perpetration. Sage. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE, & ABUSE 2020, Vol. 21(3) 439-455 DOI: 10.1177/1524838018772855

 

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