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| Source: New Work Times Does she really look smarter in the last picture? |
The New York Times reports in a recent article called Up the Career Ladder, Lipstick in Hand that women who wear more makeup appear more respectable and competent in the workplace.
This interesting, yet not really original idea, has lots of arguably sexist social implications. Yet there is a grander social narrative at play. To me, it is an intriguingly manipulative and entertaining form of advertisement. The research was funded by Procter & Gamble, the parent company of many makeup brands including CoverGirl and Dolce & Gabbana beauty (omg Light Blue is my FAVE summer perfume!!). Proctor & Gamble has conquered the social barriers of advertisement by fundamentally purchasing a scientific truth. First they fund a psychological study to prove that women are judged by their looks in the workplace. Now makeup is not just a step taken in the morning to look nice, but it is a quantifiable and necessary standard of success. So now women are supposed to pick up the NYtimes and presumably think, "I should definitely put on more makeup before work". How interesting it is that judgement can be so hard-wired and scientific, that money can buy fact, and the media will sell the whole process for you. Manipulative genius.
What other scientific facts have corporate inceptions?
Considering Hopkins is one of the largest research institutions in the world, best known for science, I wonder if there's anything like this going on right on campus.
This has implications for men too. Taller men tend to be more respected and they earn more money throughout their careers. Clothing companies tailor corporate attire to make the body look taller and emphasizes broad shoulders.
ReplyDeleteWe don't like to think of these things as true but unfortunately they are. I don't think this has to be permanent since perception of beauty has changed over history and there's no reason why it can't change for the better.