What Is Self-objectification Theory?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Self-objectification is defined as

the adoption of a third-person perspective on the self as

opposed to a first-person perspective such that girls and women come to place greater value on how they look to others rather than on how they feel or what they can do.

What is an example of self-objectification?

Self-objectifying behaviors can include but are not limited to:

Excessive mirror looking, frequent selfies

, critiquing one’s appearance in the reflection and photographs, and comparing oneself to images in the media and other women.

What is objectification theory?

Objectification theory

posits that SO of females is likely to contribute to mental health problems that disproportionately affect women

(i.e., eating disorders, depression, and sexual dysfunction) via two main paths. The first path is direct and overt and involves SO experiences.

What caused self-objectification?

This objectification occurs in two areas: (1)

interpersonal or social encounters

, and (2) media exposure. “Interpersonal or social encounters include catcalls, checking out/ staring at, or gazing at women’s bodies, sexual comments, and harassment.

Who created the self-objectification theory?


Philosopher Martha Nussbaum

specified seven qualities that represent common attitudes and treatment toward objects and things that when applied to a person constitutes objectification (Table 1). Importantly, each of these qualities is inherent in the sexual objectification of girls and women.

What is objectification of a woman?

Objectification involves

viewing and/or treating a person as an object, devoid of thought or feeling

. Often, objectification is targeted at women and reduces them to objects of sexual pleasure and gratification.

Can a woman objectify herself?


There is no such thing as a woman objectifying herself

Sexual objectification occurs when a person is objectified sexually — for example, viewing or treating that person as a tool for sexual pleasure.

What is self sexualization?

Abstract Self-sexualization refers

to intentionally engaging in activities expressly to appear more sexually appealing

. … The SSBQ–W may especially be useful in addressing debates about the relationship of self-sexualization to sexual empowerment, agency, and oppression in young women.

Are men sexualized in media?

It found that the frequency of sexualized images of men and women has increased, though the intensity of sexualization between men and women is different in that women are increasingly likely to be hypersexualized, but

men are not

.

How do you overcome self-objectification?

  1. Catch your negative self-talk. …
  2. Thank your body for all it has given you and how lucky you are to have it. …
  3. Remind yourself you do not exist for others. …
  4. Positive affirmations. …
  5. Give a little love.

What are the dangers of self-objectification?

Given the negative effects associated with self-objectification—such as

body shame, appearance anxiety, depression, and disordered eating

—an empirically based approach to researching and counteracting self-objectification is critical.

Is self-objectification a thing?

Self-objectification is

when people view themselves as objects for use instead of as human beings

. Self-objectification is a result of objectification, and is commonly discussed in the topic of sex and gender. Both men and women struggle with self-objectification, but it is most commonly seen among women.

Is it bad to objectify yourself?

A cycle of objectification

In turn, they become preoccupied with their physical appearance and sexual value to others. This process of “self-objectification” leads

women to experience unpleasant feelings such as shame and anxiety

. If repeated, it can eventually lead to long-term psychological harm.

What is the concept of objectification?

Objectification is a notion central to feminist theory. It can be roughly defined as

the seeing and/or treating a person, usually a woman, as an object

. In this entry, the focus is primarily on sexual objectification, objectification occurring in the sexual realm.

What is the female gaze theory?

The female gaze is a

feminist film theoretical term representing the gaze of the female viewer

. … In contemporary usage, the female gaze has been used to refer to the perspective a female filmmaker (screenwriter/director/producer) brings to a film that would be different from a male view of the subject.

How do you know if someone is objectifying you?

When someone is objectifying you, you are likely

to feel less appreciated

. Your own pleasure may feel shallow or short lived. You may notice your attention drifting, your mind wandering, wondering what your partner is feeling. You will tend to feel less genuinely connected if objectification is present.

Jasmine Sibley
Author
Jasmine Sibley
Jasmine is a DIY enthusiast with a passion for crafting and design. She has written several blog posts on crafting and has been featured in various DIY websites. Jasmine's expertise in sewing, knitting, and woodworking will help you create beautiful and unique projects.