The media plays a significant role in objectifying women in the society. In the United States (U.S) this has a long history. Despite this, critics argue against this analysis claiming that it is a mere exaggeration. However, various studies have confirmed that objectification of women in the media is rife and is a global phenomenon (Berberick, 2010). In America, for instance, the media has taken up the role of not only defining perfection in women but also tagging a price to it. Thus, the media, coupled with its ‘ideal' conception of femininity has impacted women in myriad ways. This phenomenon is well portrayed by the social trends. Objectification of women has always been prevalent in the entertainment and advertisement sectors. The overriding question currently is whether or not the trend of this ‘exploitation' has risen (Zimmerman & Dahlberg, 2008). The advent of the Internet has catalysed the power of media and compounded this problem. This shift has been fuelled by the ever growing availability and accessibility of information (Scala, 2013; Berberick, 2010). Against this background, women objectification is currently unprecedented and is projected to continue rising. This paper argues that women objectification in the media is growing. It, therefore, seeks to present the various adverse effects of this vice.
Through objectification, the media has converted women into mere objects that can be won, toys that are liable to abuse, and prizes for showing off (Berberick, 2010; Szymanski et al., 2011). Consequently, women compare themselves to this falsely defined. Men, on the other hand, compare their women counterparts to those they see in magazines, on TV screens and the billboards beauty (Berberick, 2010). This sexist and exploitative assessment has affected both the society and individuals. Studies are in agreement that sexism is prevalent where beauty practices and ideals are rigidly followed and consumed (Berberick, 2010). Objectification, therefore, results in some profound impacts on women and young girls. First, the number of women carrying out plastic surgery has increased recently. Secondly, cases of sexual assault are on the rise. Thirdly, incidences of eating disorders have increased rapidly. Lastly, cases of depression have also increased. According to Berberick (2010), as reported by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2009, percentage increase in cases of plastic surgery were as follows; breast augmentation surgery (36%), abdominoplasty (84%), lower body lifts (4184%), arm lifts (4191%), buttock lifts (132%) and breast lifts (65%). In 2005, approximately 10 million women in the U.S suffered from Bulimia Nervosa or Anorexia, which are eating disorder. Extreme cases of these diseases resulted in a 20% mortality rate. Moreover, a 2008 survey established that every hour a woman is sexually assaulted or raped in the U.S. The report confirmed that annually 1,006,970 women are stalked. Out of these women, 79% reported sexual abuse during the stalking hours. These statistics portray the adverse impacts of women objectification.
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The methodology used in the study of women objectification varies. To explore the impacts at a macro and micro level, both quantitative and qualitative methods are used (Szymanski et al., 2011; Berberick, 2010). In other cases, sociological and medical literature, supported by qualitative interviews is used. Further, cognitive effects are also utilized. In this case, both emotional and impulsive responses to media portrayal of women and used to show the magnitude.
Conclusion
The media plays a significant role in objectifying women in the society. This phenomenon is currently on the rise. Due to media's false conception of the ‘ideal' femininity, women are always comparing themselves. This comparison results in low self-esteem, eating disorders, depression, cases of sexual assault and an overall state of discontent among women.
References
Berberick, S. (2010). The objectification of women in mass media - Female self-image in misogynist culture. The New York Sociologist, 5.
Krawczyk, R. (2013). Media that objectify women - The influence on individuals' body image and perceptions of others. Graduate Theses and Dissertations, University of South Florida.
Scala, D. (2013). Media, Objectification and Sexual Assault. Dissenting Voices, 2(1), 53-67.
Szymanski, D., Moffitt, L. & Carr, E. (2011). Sexual objectification of women -Advances to theory and research. The Counseling Psychologist , 39(1), 6-38.
Zimmerman, A. & Dahlberg, J. (2008). The sexual objectification of women in advertising - A contemporary cultural perspective. Journal of Advertising Research , 71-79.
