I will present how gender relations are shaped by power structures and how it can lead to unequal distribution of resources, responsibilities, and decision making processes in companies. Specifically, I will analyze the effect of different forms of sexualization and their impact on the allocation of these three elements. In order to do so, I will take into consideration several studies that have investigated the subject matter, and provide evidence from various fields such as sociology, psychology, management, and economics.
Let's begin with an example. Let's imagine a small software company where there is no hierarchy, all employees have equal pay and opportunities to participate in projects. Now, what happens if one employee is considered to be more attractive than the others? The other employees may feel jealousy, which could lead them to act differently towards her/him. As a result, they may treat that person as less capable or deserving than the rest, even though they have similar skills. This dynamic is called "sexual objectification" and it can create tension among workers. It has been shown that when someone is sexually objectified, they tend to be given fewer opportunities for promotion and advancement in their career (Henss & Krohn, 2017). Sexualized dynamics can also influence who gets to participate in important decisions and initiatives within a company.
Some studies show that women who engage in flirtatious behavior at work may be perceived as less competent and trustworthy compared to men who do the same thing (Jordan et al., 2015). Moreover, female leaders are often evaluated more harshly than male ones when it comes to making risky decisions (Eagly & Carli, 2009). All these factors can contribute to unequal distribution of resources, responsibilities, and high-profile projects.
Another study found that the way people dress up influences how much respect they receive from their colleagues and superiors (Sweeney et al., 2018). In this research, participants were asked to evaluate employees based on their attire. It was observed that those dressed more professionally received better feedback than those wearing casual clothing.
Women's formal wear was not as well-received as men's, which could explain why they are underrepresented in leadership positions despite having similar qualifications (Walsh & Shields, 2020). The same goes for sexualization: if men wear revealing clothes or exhibit excessive masculinity, they might get promotions over women with better credentials. Therefore, sexualized dynamics play an essential role in determining who gets to take control of key projects and make important decisions in companies.
It is evident that sexualization affects power structures and resource allocation in organizations. Sexual objectification creates a sense of competition among workers, while flirtatious behavior leads them to be perceived differently depending on gender.
Women tend to be judged more critically than men regarding risky decision-making and competence.
Studies show that employees' appearance also impacts their evaluation and promotion opportunities. These findings suggest that employers need to create a culture where everyone has equal access to resources, responsibilities, and high-profile projects regardless of sex, sexuality, and attractiveness.
How do sexualized dynamics affect distribution of resources, responsibilities, and high-profile projects?
Sexualized dynamics play an important role in determining how resources, responsibilities, and high-profile projects are distributed among individuals within a group or organization. In many instances, those who have more power over others tend to gain access to more resources, opportunities for advancement, and recognition than their peers. This can lead to inequitable distribution of resources and opportunities, which may further reinforce unequal power dynamics.