Sexualization is the act of treating someone or something like an object that can be used for pleasure or gratification. It involves focusing attention on physical appearance, bodily functions, sexual acts, or romantic/sexual relationships, often to the exclusion of other aspects of the person or thing being treated. Sexualization is prevalent in many areas of life, including advertising, media, fashion, art, music, literature, politics, religion, sports, entertainment, education, healthcare, technology, transportation, and workplace culture.
In the workplace, sexualized culture shapes perceptions of equity, inclusion, and psychological safety by influencing how people interact with each other. When sexualization becomes common practice, it creates unequal power dynamics between men and women, which negatively impacts everyone's ability to succeed. Women are often seen as objects rather than individuals capable of contributing meaningfully to society, leading to lower pay, fewer opportunities, less respect, and greater risk of harassment and violence. Men also suffer from this dynamic because they become expected to act aggressively and compete sexually, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and mental illness.
A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that women who experience sexual harassment in the workplace report higher rates of depression and anxiety, lower self-esteem, and decreased job satisfaction. They also feel less safe expressing themselves openly and may avoid certain tasks or roles out of fear of further harassment. This negatively affects their career advancement and contributes to a cycle of inequality. On the other hand, men who witness sexual harassment can feel pressured to join in or speak up for their female colleagues without getting involved personally, leading to resentment and disengagement.
Sexualization also impacts non-binary and gender-nonconforming employees, who face discrimination and exclusion due to misperceptions about what it means to be a man or woman. In addition, individuals with disabilities, older workers, and members of marginalized groups may find themselves subjected to stereotypes and assumptions based on their appearance or perceived sexual availability.
Employers should create policies that explicitly prohibit sexual harassment and enforce them through training, reporting systems, and accountability measures. They should also promote diverse representation at all levels of the organization, including leadership positions, to ensure that everyone has an equal voice in shaping culture.
Employers should prioritize psychological safety by fostering an environment where people feel comfortable speaking openly about their experiences, sharing ideas, and collaborating without judgment or competition.
How does sexualized culture shape perceptions of equity, inclusion, and psychological safety at work?
Sexualized culture shapes perceptions of equity, inclusion, and psychological safety at work by creating an environment where certain individuals are favored over others based on their physical appearance. This creates a sense of unequal treatment that can lead to feelings of exclusion and discomfort among employees who do not fit into this norm.