Beauty Still Trumps Brains

Society’s Obsession with Physical Appearance

Universities position themselves as places where brains matter. However, a recent study found that attractive academics are rated better teachers, highlighting the strange and uncomfortable trend of beauty trumping brains in 21st-century workplaces.

This phenomenon is not limited to academia. A study by the University of Memphis found that 35% of women experienced at least one sexist demand from their employer, such as being asked to dress “sexier” or wear more makeup during video meetings.

According to Danielle Parsons, an employment lawyer at Slater and Gordon, this type of lookism has no place in the modern working world. When employees’ performance is judged on the basis of their physical appearance, it can lead to unfair discrimination and affect their pay and prospects.

The shift to remote working has not eradicated this problem. In fact, many companies are becoming more prescriptive about their employees’ appearance, dress, and behavior.

It’s not just women who face this issue. However, women are more likely to be subjected to degrading requests to appear sexier. A study by the University of Melbourne found that two-thirds of complaints about lookism were from women.

The Aesthetic Economy

The increasing obsession with physical appearance has led to the emergence of an aesthetic economy, where people are willing to pay to improve their looks. This has resulted in a rise in cosmetic surgery and other beauty treatments.

The consequences of this trend are far-reaching. For example, job applicants who are perceived as more attractive may have an advantage over others. According to a study by the University of Strathclyde, the hospitality industry is already precarious and exploitative enough, and the pressure to be attractive may make things worse.

The Need for Change

It’s time to rethink what we expect from the workplace of the future. Making discrimination on the basis of looks illegal could be a step towards creating a fairer and more equal society. Until then, we need to continue highlighting the issue and pushing for change.

FAQs

* What is lookism?
Lookism is the practice of judging someone based on their physical appearance, rather than their abilities, skills, or performance.
* How common is lookism in the workplace?
Lookism is a widespread problem, with 35% of women experiencing at least one sexist demand from their employer.
* How can we address lookism in the workplace?
Making discrimination on the basis of looks illegal could be a step towards creating a fairer and more equal society. We also need to continue highlighting the issue and pushing for change.
* Is lookism limited to women?
While women are more likely to be subjected to degrading requests to appear sexier, men are also affected by lookism. However, women are disproportionately affected, and more research is needed to understand the experiences of men in the workplace.
* What can individuals do to address lookism in the workplace?
Individuals can educate themselves about the issue of lookism, advocate for change, and push for policies that promote equality and fairness in the workplace.
* What can employers do to address lookism in the workplace?
Employers can set clear policies and procedures for reporting lookism, provide training for employees, and create a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.