The concept of sexualization refers to the process whereby an object becomes associated with sexual meanings and values that go beyond its original functional purpose. Sexualized objects are often seen as sensual, desirable, and appealing, and they can be found in many aspects of daily life, from advertising to art to popular culture.
This association between sexuality and things is not limited to objects; it can also occur in people, leading to the phenomenon of "sexualization." When someone is perceived as sexually attractive, they may be treated differently than if they were not. This has implications for relational justice, fairness, and reciprocity in interpersonal interactions because it affects how people interact with one another and how they evaluate their relationships.
When someone is sexually attractive, they may be perceived as more desirable partners for romantic or sexual encounters, which can create power imbalances within relationships.
When men are perceived as more physically attractive than women, they may have greater power to initiate sexual contact, while women may feel pressured to comply with these advances due to social norms regarding female modesty. Similarly, when individuals who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer (GLBTQ+) are perceived as sexually attractive, they may experience discrimination, marginalization, and rejection based on their identities rather than their personal characteristics. This can lead to feelings of injustice, unfair treatment, and a lack of reciprocity in relationships.
Perceptions of sexuality can impact perceptions of fairness within relationships by creating unrealistic expectations about what constitutes a successful relationship. When couples engage in sexual activity that does not match their preferences, it can create tension and dissatisfaction, ultimately impacting their perception of the relationship's success.
When someone is seen as "sexier" than their partner, they may receive more attention, praise, or resources from others, leading to resentment and a sense of inequity within the relationship.
Sexualized perceptions of people can also impact perceptions of reciprocity because it can cause unequal distribution of effort and reward within a relationship. When one partner perceives the other as being sexually desirable, they may be expected to take on more responsibilities within the relationship without receiving equal benefits or recognition.
Sexualized perceptions can significantly impact how people interact with each other and evaluate their relationships. These perceptions can lead to power imbalances, inequitable resource distribution, and resentment, all of which contribute to a lack of relational justice, fairness, and reciprocity. It is essential to recognize these dynamics and work towards greater equality and mutuality within our interactions with others.
How do sexualized perceptions impact perceptions of relational justice, fairness, and reciprocity?
Research has shown that individuals who perceive their romantic partner as sexually attractive tend to be less forgiving towards them when they experience relationship transgressions (e. g. , cheating), compared to those who do not find them attractive (Meltzoff & Moore, 2018). This suggests that there is some link between sexual attraction and perceptions of relational justice and fairness.