Sexualization is defined as the act of making something more sexual than it needs to be. It has become increasingly common in contemporary societies to see sexual images in advertising and entertainment media. This trend has been attributed to increased accessibility to pornography online and the rise of social media. Sexualized behavior can affect how individuals manage their own expectations and performance standards. There are various ways this occurs.
One way in which sexualized behavior influences expectation management is through the setting of unrealistic standards. People may compare themselves to highly sexualized characters in movies or magazines, creating an ideal that is impossible to attain without using enhancement drugs, cosmetic surgery, or excessive exercise. Individuals who fall short of these unrealistic standards may experience feelings of shame, self-hatred, and low self-esteem. These negative emotions can lead to poor decision-making and poor life choices.
Another way that sexualized behavior affects expectation management is through the normalizing of sexually explicit behaviors. In some settings, such as workplaces, people may begin to view certain actions as acceptable because they have seen them portrayed in popular culture.
A boss may believe that employees should dress in revealing clothing or engage in flirtatious behavior with customers because they have seen these actions depicted in television shows or movies about work environments.
These activities may not be appropriate for all contexts and could potentially create a hostile work environment.
Sexualization also impacts performance standards by influencing what people consider to be successful. People may feel pressure to perform certain acts in order to meet societal norms.
A person may feel pressured to have multiple partners or participate in risky sexual encounters due to media portrayals of sexuality. This can result in unsafe practices and negative health outcomes, including contracting sexually transmitted diseases or experiencing unwanted pregnancies.
Sexualized behavior can alter expectations regarding relationships and commitment. People may become accustomed to quick hookups or one-night stands, making it difficult to form deep, long-term connections based on mutual respect and care.
Individuals may become frustrated when their romantic partners do not match up to idealizations created by media consumption. All of these factors can contribute to decreased satisfaction in personal and professional lives.
Sexualized behavior has a significant impact on how individuals manage their expectations and performance standards. It is important for people to be aware of the influence that media and social pressures can have on their lives and to avoid placing too much emphasis on unrealistic ideals. By doing so, individuals can cultivate healthier attitudes towards themselves and others, leading to greater overall happiness and success.
How does sexualized behavior influence the management of expectations and performance standards?
The impact of sexualized behavior on the management of expectations and performance standards is multifaceted. It can lead to confusion, miscommunication, and misunderstanding among individuals with different cultural backgrounds, values, beliefs, and experiences. Sexualized behavior may also create feelings of unease, discomfort, embarrassment, and anxiety in some people, which can hinder their ability to perform optimally.