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Defusing the Objectification of Women by Other Women: The Role of Competence

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Abstract

This study provides empirical evidence that the objectification of women by other women can be attenuated by drawing attention to their competence. Primarily European American female undergraduate participants (N = 154) from the Midwestern part of the United States rated photographs of college-aged female models dressed provocatively a) standing against a plain background (control condition), b) showing athletic competence (standing near a swimming pool holding a trophy), and c) showing academic competence (solving a math problem on a whiteboard). Results showed that compared to the control condition, the models showing competence were rated lower on objectification variables and higher on capability variables regardless of their provocative manner of dress.

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Author notes

  1. Valerie Johnson

    Present address: Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, 48859, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, 2420 Nicolet Drive-MAC C312, Green Bay, WI, 54311, USA

    Valerie Johnson & Regan A. R. Gurung

Authors
  1. Valerie Johnson
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  2. Regan A. R. Gurung
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Regan A. R. Gurung.

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Johnson, V., Gurung, R.A.R. Defusing the Objectification of Women by Other Women: The Role of Competence. Sex Roles 65, 177–188 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-011-0006-5

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