Sexualization of Women in Men’s Magazines

by Linda Franklin 

Descriptions of women used in men’s magazines are indistinguishable from views expressed by convicted rapists, researchers found in a new study.

When presented with quotes from both, some men actually found themselves identifying more with the views of the sex offender than those espoused by the magazines.

Psychologists say that the study highlights the danger of the sexualization of women in the media and called for moves to deal with the issue. 

Men between 18 and 46 were shown quotes about women from leading men’s magazines and also quotes given in interviews with convicted rapists. Participants were asked to rank the comments on how derogatory they were.

The results found the magazine descriptions more demeaning than those from the sex offenders, reports the British Psychological Society’s British Journal of Psychology.

Quotes from the sex offenders list included: ‘I think if a law is passed there should be a dress code. When girls dress in those short skirts and things like that they’re just asking for it.’ “Girls love being tied up, it gives them the chance to be the helpless victim.’ Then there’s this one “‘I think girls are like plasticine, if you warm them up you can do anything you want with them”.

Dr Peter Hegarty, of the University of Surrey, added: ‘There is a fundamental concern that the content of these magazines normalizes the treatment of women as sexual objects. 

This problem is bad and getting worse.  How are teenage boys and young men supposed to be prepared for a fulfilling love and sex life when they normalize their views from what they read and what they see on porn sites?

Anna van Heeswijk, Campaigns Manager for OBJECT, a human rights campaign group which campaigns against the objectification of women, said: ‘This crucial and chilling piece of research lays bare the hateful messages which seep out of the magazines and indoctrinate young men’s attitudes towards women and girls. 

If we are serious, and we should be, about putting an end to discrimination and violence against women and girls, we must stand together and have a very strong voice.

The Real Cougar Woman is a 5-carat diamond who knows the importance of taking care of her health, beauty, relationships, finances and spirituality. Linda Franklin says,” there is no stopping a woman who has a strong belief system and a dream.  All things are possible”.  Linda’s book, Don’t Ever Call Me Ma’am helps women of all ages tap into their power and live life to the fullest.

Sexual Harassment Is Never Ok

 by Linda Franklin

This is a mind blower. According to a new study, employees who are at higher risk of sexual harassment are getting paid higher salaries. salaries. The pay-off for putting up with possible harassment was an extra 50 cents an hour for men and an additional 25 cents for women.  Really – that much!!

The report published in the American Economic Review, highlights one female mining engineer who preferred to put up with the inappropriate behaviour of male colleagues than take a lower paid job where she would have been treated with more respect.

Companies have traditionally shelled out more to employees who were at risk of being injured or killed.  Now, it’s for sexual harassment.

The economy is not helping this horrible situation I suppose.  With employment over 9 per cent for the last four years, people will endure almost anything to bring home a paycheck..

The study used claims filed with the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission to compare the risks of sexual harassment by sex, age group and industry.

I didn’t have to tell you this but they  found that women were six times more likely to be harassed than their male counterparts. And, the worst offenders were industries that are male dominated. 

I worked on Wall Street, which is totally male dominated, for over 20 years, and didn’t experience sexual harassment. I think it’s because  I let the guys know I had boundaries that could not be crossed.  Working with all men is challenging.  To earn their respect, I had to be good at my job, take criticism well, be supportive, a good listener and always maintain my femininity.  Having accomplished all those things, they knew not to cross the line I had drawn in the sand.

Women should never have to put up with any kind of harassment or discrimination in the workplace.  But, having said that, we are responsible for how we act and learn not to go looking for trouble.

The Real Cougar Woman is a 5-carat diamond who knows the importance of taking care of her health, beauty, relationships, finances and spirituality. Linda Franklin says,” there is no stopping a woman who has a strong belief system and a dream.  All things are possible”.  Linda’s book, Don’t Ever Call Me Ma’am helps women of all ages tap into their power and live life to the fullest.