Subtle increases in BMI within a healthy weight range still reduce women's employment chances in the service sector
Abstract
Using mixed design analysis of variance (ANOVA), this paper investigates the effects of a subtle simulated increase in adiposity on women’s employment chances in the service sector. Employing a unique simulation of altering individuals’ BMIs and the literature on “aesthetic labour”, the study suggests that, especially for women, being heavier, but still within a healthy BMI, deleteriously impacts on hireability ratings. The paper explores the gendered dimension of this prejudice by asking whether female employees at the upper end of a healthy BMI range are likely to be viewed more negatively than their overtly overweight male counterparts. The paper concludes by considering the implications of these findings.
Citation
Nickson , D , Timming , A R , Re , D & Perrett , D I 2016 , ' Subtle increases in BMI within a healthy weight range still reduce women's employment chances in the service sector ' , PLoS One , vol. 11 , no. 9 , e0159659 . https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0159659
Publication
PLoS One
Status
Peer reviewed
ISSN
1932-6203Type
Journal article
Collections
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