Sexualization

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Sexualization is the pernicious application of sexuality or sexual perceptions to an individual or class.

The American Psychological Association (APA) defines sexualization as occurring under one or more of these four conditions:

“a person’s value comes only from his or her sexual appeal or sexual behavior, to the exclusion of other characteristics;
“a person is held to a standard that equates physical attractiveness (narrowly defined) with being sexy;
“a person is sexually objectified—that is, made into a thing for others’ sexual use, rather than seen as a person with the capacity for independent action and decision making; and/or
“sexuality is inappropriately imposed upon a person.”^[1]

1 Sexualization of children
2 See also
3 References
4 Further reading

[edit] Sexualization of children

Some cultural critics have postulated that over recent decades children have evidenced a level of sexual knowledge or sexual behaviour inappropriate for their age group.^[2] A number of different causes are cited, including media portrayals of sex and related issues, especially in media aimed at children; marketing of products with sexual connotations to children^[3] (for example the Bratz Baby dolls that wear thongs); lack of parental oversight and discipline;^[4] access to adult culture via the internet; and lack of comprehensive school sex education programs (APA, 2007; Lamb, 2006). For girls and young women in particular, studies have found sexualization to have harmful effects on their “self-image and healthy development”.^[5]

[edit] Cognitive and Emotional Consequences

Sexualization and objectification undermine a person’s confidence in and comfort with their own body, leading to emotional and self-image problems, such as shame and anxiety.

[edit] Mental and Physical Health

Research links sexualization with three of the most common mental health problems diagnosed in girls and women—eating disorders, low self-esteem, and depression or depressed mood.

[edit] Sexual Development

Research suggests that the sexualization of girls has negative consequences on girls’ ability to develop a healthy sexual self-image.

[edit] See also

This section has been nominated to be checked for its neutrality.
Discussion of this nomination can be found on the talk page. (May 2008)

[edit] References

^ APA Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls (2007-02-19). Report of the APA Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls, Executive Summary. American Psychological Association. Retrieved on February 22, 2007. “There are several components to sexualization, and these set it apart from healthy sexuality.”
^ Kaeser, Fred (2001-10-30). The effects of increasing sexualization on children. Towards a Better Understanding of Children's Sexual Behavior. NYU Child Study Center. Retrieved on February 22, 2007. “We know that exposure to sexualized messages, particularly those that are incomprehensible, can have several effects on children.”
^ [Suzanna] (2002-04-14). Outrage as Argos sells G-strings for children. the Daily Mail. Retrieved on February 22, 2007. “High Street chain Argos has been branded irresponsible for promoting a range of sexually provocative lingerie designed for primary schoolgirls.”
^ Pupils warned not to wear thongs. BBC News (2003-05-28). Retrieved on February 22, 2007. “Parents have been urged by a head teacher to stop their daughters wearing thongs to a primary school.”
^ APA Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls (2007-02-19). Report of the APA Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls. American Psychological Association. Retrieved on February 22, 2007. “The proliferation of sexualized images of girls and young women in advertising, merchandising, and media is harming girls’ self-image and healthy development. This report explores the cognitive and emotional consequences, consequences for mental and physical health, and impact on development of a healthy sexual self-image.”