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She's Not Fit for the Business World: An Initial Examination of Gender, Age, and Weight

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Date Issued:
2016
Abstract/Description:
The present study examined archetype theory (Marcus (&) Fritzsche, 2015) that suggests that the intersection of multiple group memberships will create a unique cognitive representation, as it is relates to sex, age, and weight. Following a pilot study to equate photos on attractiveness, perceived competence, professionalism, and intelligence, 183 participants reviewed a fictitious LinkedIn profile in which all information was held constant across participants except the photo. Using a 2 (sex) x 2 (age) x 2 (weight) design (manipulated through the photos), participants rated the job applicant on adjectives associated with proposed sex, age, and weight archetypes and on perceptions of job suitability. Results showed that the most young, overweight female received the highest ratings on negative adjectives (i.e., lazy, uncontrolled, self-indulgent) and was rated lower than most conditions on job suitability. Overweight conditions received lower ratings on job suitability than their average-weight counterpart. Weight also impacted the old, female, such that the old, overweight female received lower ratings than her average-weight counterpart on job suitability. In order to help individuals who face disadvantages and unfair treatment in the workplace, the negative effects multiple-group membership has on certain groups must first be acknowledged.
Title: She's Not Fit for the Business World: An Initial Examination of Gender, Age, and Weight.
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Name(s): Pelkey, Miranda, Author
Fritzsche, Barbara, Committee Chair
Joseph, Dana, Committee Member
Pace, Victoria, Committee Member
University of Central Florida, Degree Grantor
Type of Resource: text
Date Issued: 2016
Publisher: University of Central Florida
Language(s): English
Abstract/Description: The present study examined archetype theory (Marcus (&) Fritzsche, 2015) that suggests that the intersection of multiple group memberships will create a unique cognitive representation, as it is relates to sex, age, and weight. Following a pilot study to equate photos on attractiveness, perceived competence, professionalism, and intelligence, 183 participants reviewed a fictitious LinkedIn profile in which all information was held constant across participants except the photo. Using a 2 (sex) x 2 (age) x 2 (weight) design (manipulated through the photos), participants rated the job applicant on adjectives associated with proposed sex, age, and weight archetypes and on perceptions of job suitability. Results showed that the most young, overweight female received the highest ratings on negative adjectives (i.e., lazy, uncontrolled, self-indulgent) and was rated lower than most conditions on job suitability. Overweight conditions received lower ratings on job suitability than their average-weight counterpart. Weight also impacted the old, female, such that the old, overweight female received lower ratings than her average-weight counterpart on job suitability. In order to help individuals who face disadvantages and unfair treatment in the workplace, the negative effects multiple-group membership has on certain groups must first be acknowledged.
Identifier: CFE0006161 (IID), ucf:51156 (fedora)
Note(s): 2016-05-01
M.S.
Sciences, Psychology
Masters
This record was generated from author submitted information.
Subject(s): multiple group membership -- archetype -- gender -- age -- obesity -- job applicant
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006161
Restrictions on Access: public 2016-05-15
Host Institution: UCF

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