The prevalence of hierarchies based on sexual attractiveness among students can be observed in many schools worldwide. Students who have a different level of physical beauty than their peers often feel excluded from social interactions, which can lead to low self-esteem and depression.
Some young people seem to be more resistant to this phenomenon, while others find it difficult to cope with it.
What are the differences between resilient and non-resilient adolescents?
One important factor is the level of social support available to them. Adolescents who have friends that accept them for who they are tend to feel less pressure to conform to certain norms regarding appearance. They also have someone to confide in when they experience bullying or other types of discrimination related to their looks. Conversely, those without such strong social ties may internalize the negative messages they receive from their classmates and develop negative body image issues.
How do gender and cultural background affect resilience to sexualized hierarchies?
Research has shown that girls are generally more affected by these hierarchies because they are expected to emphasize their femininity and physical attractiveness as a means of gaining popularity. This puts them under constant scrutiny and pressure, leading to anxiety and depression if they don't fit into traditional ideals of beauty. Boys, on the other hand, tend to be judged based on athletic ability or academic achievement rather than physical appearance, giving them more freedom to express themselves in other ways.
Students from minority cultures may face additional challenges due to stereotypes about their race or ethnicity, making it even harder to navigate these power dynamics.
Can education and school policies play a role in reducing sexualized hierarchies?
Schools can take steps to promote inclusivity and challenge harmful attitudes towards body image.
Teachers could create an environment where all students feel safe to express themselves without fear of being ridiculed for not fitting into a particular mold. School policies should also prohibit any form of harassment based on physical traits, including weight, height, skin color, and facial features. By creating a supportive and empowering atmosphere, educators can help students build self-esteem and resist the pressures of sexism and discrimination.
Which adolescents are more resilient to internalizing sexualized hierarchies present in school culture, and why?
Adolescents who demonstrate higher levels of self-esteem, positive body image, assertiveness, and personal agency are generally better equipped to resist internalizing sexualized hierarchies present in school culture than those with lower levels of these factors. Self-esteem refers to an individual's overall evaluation of their worth as a person, while positive body image involves feeling comfortable and confident in one's physical appearance.