Sexualization is an aspect of social life that is often misunderstood and underestimated. It refers to the act of seeing someone through sexual lenses, treating them as objects of desire rather than people with unique interests, personalities, and needs. This can have detrimental effects on many areas of society, including workplace dynamics where it affects the distribution of social support, mentorship, and sponsorship. In this article, I will explore how sexualization alters the way individuals are treated in organizations, leading to unequal access to these important resources.
Sexualized perception vs. nonsexualized perception
When individuals view others in a sexualized manner, they may be more likely to judge them based on their physical appearance, which can create barriers to receiving social support, mentorship, and sponsorship.
If a male employee views a female colleague as sexually attractive, he might be less willing to offer her assistance or guidance because he feels threatened by her power. Similarly, if a woman perceives a man as sexy, she might be hesitant to ask for his help due to fear of rejection. These biases can limit access to valuable resources and opportunities, resulting in fewer promotions and lower pay.
Social support
Social support involves emotional, informational, and instrumental assistance from others in our lives. It can take many forms, such as advice, feedback, problem-solving, and emotional comfort. When individuals receive social support, they feel connected to their peers and are better equipped to navigate challenges.
When sexualization is present, it can negatively impact the ability to receive support. Men who view women as sexual objects may be less likely to provide them with emotional support, while women who view men as desirable may be less inclined to seek out help from them. This dynamic can lead to isolation and disengagement, making it harder to succeed at work.
Mentorship and sponsorship
Mentorship refers to a relationship between an experienced individual and a less experienced one where the latter receives guidance, coaching, and advice. Sponsorship involves advocating for someone's career advancement within an organization. Both are critical for professional development and success, but they too can be affected by sexualized perception. If a mentor or sponsor views another person as sexually desirable, they may be more likely to promote them based on their appearance rather than their merits. This can create a culture where talent is overlooked in favor of beauty, leading to resentment and frustration among workers.
Sexualization has serious consequences for social support, mentorship, and sponsorship in organizations. By treating others as objects of desire, we limit access to important resources that help us thrive professionally. We must challenge our own biases and recognize that everyone deserves fair treatment regardless of gender or attractiveness. Only then can we create inclusive and productive workplaces where all employees have equal opportunities for growth and success.
How does sexualized perception alter the distribution of social support, mentorship, and sponsorship in organizations?
Society has conditioned us to view women as less competent than men at workplace settings, even though this is not necessarily true. It is no surprise that women's career progressions are affected by both formal and informal barriers, including gender stereotypes, organizational cultures, family responsibilities, and lack of self-confidence (Agarwal & Prasad, 2018).