Sexualization is the process of making something sexual, sensuous, or erotic. Sexualization can also be described as objectification, where a person or thing is seen as an object for gratifying someone's physical or emotional needs. Many people believe that sexualization influences their behavior, judgments, attitudes, and values. They see themselves through lenses of sexuality, which affects how they behave in different situations. This article discusses how sexualized perception impacts ethical judgment, adherence to values, and fairness.
Ethical Judgment
People who perceive things through sexualized lens may have difficulty evaluating ethical issues accurately. Their sexual desires often override their conscience, leading them to make unethical decisions.
A man might steal from his workplace to fund his addiction because he believes it is okay since he did not physically hurt anyone. His boss cannot prove the crime, so he gets away with it. He does not feel guilty about the act even though he knows it was wrong. The desire to satisfy his sexual urge makes him ignore the law of honesty.
Adherence to Values
Sexualized individuals struggle to follow their moral principles when faced with temptation. When one is sexually aroused by another person, the mind is clouded by carnal thoughts. It becomes challenging to think rationally and behave appropriately, especially if the person is already emotionally attached. A woman who sees herself as attractive may compromise her integrity for intimacy purposes. She might flirt with a coworker at the office and engage in an affair behind her husband's back. Her desire for love and pleasure makes it difficult to stick to her moral beliefs.
Fairness
The tendency to see everything as sexual can hinder someone's ability to be impartial or objective. People tend to overlook others' merits or failings based on how they look or dress. They focus more on superficial appearances than actual performance or achievement.
A male manager may reject a female applicant for promotion due to her physical appearance rather than her skills. Sexualization can also lead people to take advantage of each other. One partner might exploit the other's vulnerability to gratify his needs without considering the consequences. This lack of fairness undermines trust and breeds animosity between partners.
Sexualization impacts how we perceive ourselves, others, and situations. We should strive to control our sexual impulses and refrain from making decisions based on them. Our ethical judgment, adherence to values, and fairness are essential components of living a fulfilling life. We must learn to separate our sexual feelings from our decision-making process, avoid objectifying people, and treat everyone equally regardless of their gender, age, or appearance.
How does sexualized perception impact ethical judgment, adherence to values, and fairness?
Sexualized perception can have a significant impact on moral judgment, value compliance, and fairness. Firstly, individuals who perceive themselves as sexually attractive may experience greater entitlement and be less inclined to follow societal norms and rules. This may lead them to engage in unethical behaviors and violate socially prescribed morals due to their increased sense of power and privilege.