Sexualization is when an object, person, idea, or concept is imbued with erotic characteristics that are either exaggerated or imagined for entertainment purposes. This can happen through art, advertising, literature, film, music videos, social media, online forums, games, and more. Sexualization includes the presence of sexual themes, body parts, activities, behavior, and attitudes. Examples include underwear ads, provocative lyrics, sexy costumes, seductive poses, suggestive images, erotic artwork, sensual dance moves, steamy scenes, and romantic interactions. Sexualized perception affects ethical reasoning, adherence to values, and fairness in various ways.
One way that sexualized perception impacts these aspects of life is through the normalization of unhealthy behaviors and attitudes.
Sexualized portrayals may promote objectification, dehumanization, fetishism, voyeurism, victim blaming, gender stereotyping, and other problematic behaviors. This can lead people to engage in risky behaviors such as unprotected sex, promiscuity, domestic violence, and even rape. It can also make it difficult to see others as equals, leading to exploitation, discrimination, and inequality.
Another effect of sexualized perception is that it can distract from important issues. When people become preoccupied with sexual desires and fantasies, they may lose sight of their moral principles and priorities. They may neglect responsibilities and obligations, disregard rights and freedoms, and fail to address serious concerns. This can create a culture where morality is based on how well someone fits into society's ideas about beauty or attractiveness rather than on who they truly are as individuals.
Sexualized perception can also cause confusion about consent and boundaries. People may not understand what constitutes acceptable behavior or be able to set appropriate limits. They may view certain acts as harmless when they actually harm others physically or emotionally. They may feel entitled to touch, talk about, or express interest in others without permission. They may misinterpret signals and cues, causing misunderstandings, conflicts, and violations.
Sexualized perception can have a negative impact on mental health. Exposure to excessive amounts of sexually explicit material can contribute to anxiety, depression, addiction, body dysmorphia, low self-esteem, shame, guilt, and other problems. It can interfere with relationships, work, education, and socialization, resulting in isolation, stigma, bullying, and abuse. Some people may even turn to illegal activities like prostitution, pornography, and cybersex to satisfy their desires.
Sexualized perception affects ethical reasoning, adherence to values, and fairness by promoting unhealthy behaviors, distracting from important issues, confusing consent and boundaries, and negatively impacting mental health. By being mindful of these effects, we can make more informed choices that prioritize our values and the wellbeing of those around us.
How does sexualized perception affect ethical reasoning, adherence to values, and fairness?
The study of how sexually objectified women are perceived has shown that they tend to be viewed as less competent and lacking in character, while men who are sexualized are seen as more powerful and capable (Carli et al. , 2015). These attitudes can influence an individual's ethical reasoning by creating distortions in their ability to judge others based on their behavior rather than their intrinsic qualities.