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Style Speaks: Clothing Judgments, Gender Stereotypes, and Expectancy Violations of Professional Women

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Date Issued:
2018
Abstract/Description:
Clothing is a powerful nonverbal communicative tool and form of self-expression that provides others with clues about our personality, mood, education, culture, financial status, and social ranking, amongst numerous other impression cues. Research shows that physical appearance plays a prominent role in the formation of initial judgments and is significant in shaping a person's overall impression on others (Richmond, McCroskey, (&) Payne, 1991). The present study sought to quantitatively explore the effect that different styles of dress have on initial judgments formed about women in workplace settings. Using expectancy violation theory, the study investigates workplace gender bias and whether or not certain styles of women's dress garner different initial reactions. Results showed that models in feminine attire are perceived to be lower in ratings of dominance and expertise, and models in more masculine attire are perceived to be lower in ratings of kindness and friendliness.
Title: Style Speaks: Clothing Judgments, Gender Stereotypes, and Expectancy Violations of Professional Women.
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Name(s): Lower, Jamie, Author
Weger, Harry, Committee Chair
Sandoval, Jennifer, Committee Member
Miller, Ann, Committee Member
University of Central Florida, Degree Grantor
Type of Resource: text
Date Issued: 2018
Publisher: University of Central Florida
Language(s): English
Abstract/Description: Clothing is a powerful nonverbal communicative tool and form of self-expression that provides others with clues about our personality, mood, education, culture, financial status, and social ranking, amongst numerous other impression cues. Research shows that physical appearance plays a prominent role in the formation of initial judgments and is significant in shaping a person's overall impression on others (Richmond, McCroskey, (&) Payne, 1991). The present study sought to quantitatively explore the effect that different styles of dress have on initial judgments formed about women in workplace settings. Using expectancy violation theory, the study investigates workplace gender bias and whether or not certain styles of women's dress garner different initial reactions. Results showed that models in feminine attire are perceived to be lower in ratings of dominance and expertise, and models in more masculine attire are perceived to be lower in ratings of kindness and friendliness.
Identifier: CFE0007043 (IID), ucf:51971 (fedora)
Note(s): 2018-05-01
M.A.
Sciences, Communication
Masters
This record was generated from author submitted information.
Subject(s): expectancy violation theory -- nonverbal communication -- clothing -- gender -- gender bias -- masculinity -- femininity
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007043
Restrictions on Access: public 2018-05-15
Host Institution: UCF

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