Dark Side of Being Pretty
- UNCP Author/Contributor (non-UNCP co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Dr. Stephen Marson, Professor (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP )
- Web Site: http://www.uncp.edu/academics/library
Abstract: Assessment of social and economic advantages possessed by individuals considered physically attractive is acommon research theme in the social science literature. Since the early 1960s, researchers have reportedattractive women and handsome men have advantages related to procuring jobs with higher salaries,obtaining better seating at restaurants, and experiencing a generally higher level of cordiality than lessattractive counterparts. Informal observations of high stress levels among extremely attractive professionalwomen, however, prompted exploration of a potential “dark side” to being pretty. A focus group was used todetermine if physically attractive women face discrimination. Goffman’s work was employed framework forsample collection. Findings suggest that these women experience cognitive dissonance and its emotionalconsequences. Social services tend to be dominated by women and social work mentors need to be aware ofthis as a potential concern that may arise for some mentees.
Dark Side of Being Pretty
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Created on 10/5/2017
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Journal of Sociology and Social Work, Vol.4, Number 1
- Language: English
- Date: 2016
- Keywords
- lookism, cognitive dissonance, discrimination, focus group, Schadenfreude