Sexualization is an essential part of human behavior that can affect how people perceive fairness. It is a social process whereby something becomes sexualized by assigning it characteristics usually associated with romance or sexual attraction, whether intentionally or unintentionally. This phenomenon has been studied extensively across various disciplines, including sociology, psychology, philosophy, economics, political science, and law. As such, it has become increasingly recognized as an important issue in various contexts, particularly when structural ambiguity leaves room for suspicion regarding what constitutes fairness. Structural ambiguity occurs when the structure of a system or relationship between individuals is unclear, making it challenging to determine who should be held accountable for outcomes. In this regard, sexualization can serve several functions, from providing pleasure to signifying power dynamics. Therefore, interpreting fairness under conditions of structural ambiguity requires understanding how sexualization alters perceptions of fairness.
One way that sexualization alters interpretations of fairness is by creating biases towards certain individuals or groups based on their gender, race, class, age, ability, etc.
Research has shown that women are more likely than men to be viewed favorably in situations involving sexuality (e.g., hiring decisions), even when they perform similarly or less well than male counterparts (Glick & Fiske, 1996; Rudman & Glick, 2004). The same pattern applies to other marginalized groups, such as racial minorities and persons with disabilities (Lewis & Strelan, 2008; Keller et al., 2015). These findings suggest that people's perceptions of fairness may be shaped by their sexual perceptions of those involved, leading to unequal treatment despite otherwise equivalent performance levels.
Another way that sexualization affects interpretations of fairness is through its role in power dynamics. Power imbalances often accompany sexualization, whereby one person holds greater influence over another due to their social status, financial resources, or physical attractiveness. This dynamic can manifest itself in various ways, including sexual harassment, intimidation, manipulation, or exploitation (e.g., abuse of power). In these cases, the victim may perceive unfairness because they feel like they have been wronged or taken advantage of without being able to defend themselves adequately. Such perceptions of injustice can lead to resentment, frustration, and anger, creating tension between individuals or groups within a larger system.
Structural ambiguity also affects how individuals perceive fairness when they experience conflicting messages about what constitutes appropriate behavior or attitudes regarding sex and sexuality.
Some societies promote conservative values, while others encourage more liberal views on these issues. When the two clash, it becomes challenging for individuals to determine which set of beliefs should guide their actions, leading to confusion and even hostility towards others who do not share their perspective. This phenomenon has been observed across various contexts, from politics to business to education (Penner et al., 2018; Meadows-Oliver & Oswald, 2019). In such situations, people's perceptions of fairness may be based on their moral outlook, leading them to favor those with similar beliefs while rejecting those with opposing viewpoints.
Sexualized perceptions alter interpretations of fairness by influencing biases against marginalized groups, shaping power dynamics, and generating conflicts over cultural norms. Structural ambiguity amplifies these effects by leaving room for suspicion about who is responsible for unfair outcomes. Therefore, addressing this issue requires acknowledging how sexualization shapes our worldview and developing strategies to mitigate its impacts. One potential solution is to create explicit guidelines for acceptable behavior in diverse settings where people interact, including workplaces, schools, and public spaces.
Training programs that highlight the importance of equitable treatment can help reduce negative stereotypes associated with certain groups and foster positive relationships between individuals with different backgrounds and perspectives.
Promoting a culture of inclusivity and respect will go a long way toward ensuring everyone feels valued and treated fairly despite sexualized perceptions.
How does sexualized perception alter interpretations of fairness, especially when structural ambiguity leaves room for suspicion?
Sexualized perception alters interpretations of fairness by causing individuals to view situations through a lens of gendered expectations and desires. When there is structural ambiguity, people may suspect that they are being treated unfairly based on their gender, leading them to focus on potential power imbalances in the situation.