Scrolling and Sexualization: On Normalizing Power
When
Title: Scrolling and Sexualization: On Normalizing Power
Abstract: Women are routinely sexualized in popular media—in advertising, television, and on social media. Although many feminists regard the prevalence of popular sexualized media as objectionable, it is typically considered less problematic than hardcore pornography. In this paper, I argue that sexualization in popular media is more dangerous to women than is typically thought. I develop a theory of normalizing power to show how popular sexualized media influences women’s lives for the worse—undermining their health and autonomy. I define normalizing power as a way of causing people to believe that certain kinds of behavior are normal. I give an account of the social mechanisms underlying normalizing power’s influence, showing how women are harmed when they come to believe, for example, that it is normal to equate their self-worth with their physical attractiveness. This theory illuminates the threat that social media poses to women. Social media has immense power to normalize sexualized views of women. I thus argue for stricter moderation of sexualized content on social media and defend this view against free speech and feminist objections.
As usual, we'll meet in the Maloney Seminar Room, Social Science Building 224, 3-5p. For those unable to join us live, please use this Zoom link. Drinks to follow. Please email me (David Clark) if you're interested in joining Scott for dinner afterwards.