How far does pretty privilege go?
Pretty privilege is the idea that people who are more conventionally attractive will receive better treatment from others due to their attractiveness. In comparison, less attractive people may be treated worse, poorly, or simply receive the ‘bare minimum’ treatment.
The idea of pretty privilege is common in pop culture, entertainment, movies, etc. However, many have theorised that pretty privilege or ‘beauty bias’ also exists in the justice system.
One example is that more attractive criminals will receive a lighter sentence then less attractive criminals. With one study stating that the odds of conviction were 14% less likely, and the odds of incarceration were 28% less likely, in more attractive individuals.
How does this translate to sexual harassment?
In an American study, academics wanted to know whether a female student’s level of attractiveness affected how believable she was, and the perceived likelihood that she would be sexually harassed.
The study included students receiving one of three photographs of the same female model. In one photograph she would appear unattractive. With no makeup or jewelry, with greasy hair, and a completely buttoned up blouse.
In another picture she was attractive and ‘pristine’, with conservative makeup and jewelry, and her blouse slightly unbuttoned. In the last picture the model was attractive but not pristine. She wore loud jewellery and bright makeup, with voluminous curls, and her blouse had several buttons undone.
The students would read the same case file where the model claimed that she was sexually harassed by one of her professors. He would place a hand on her leg, invite her out, and insinuate that she would receive a better grade if they had sex.
Disappointing, but not surprising, outcome
As we can assume, the students who received the photograph where the model was unattractive perceived the model to be more deceptive and less likely to be harassed. In comparison, the students who received the pictures where the model was attractive, regardless of if she was pristine or not, perceived her to be less deceptive and more likely to be harassed.
Interestingly, whether the model was pristine or not did not impact whether she was perceived to be more believable or any more likely to be sexually harassed.
When discussing the results, the study highlights the disturbing truth that in reality sexual harassment is not related to how attractive the victim is. Evidence indicates that sexual harassment is related to power and power dynamics. However, individuals (judges, jurors, peers) will continue to use beauty as an indicator where it is not relevant.
Additionally, victim blaming stereotypes push a narrative that women who dress a certain way will receive more unwanted sexual attention. However, this study shows that as long as an individual is seen as attractive, regardless of the overall aesthetic of ‘pristiness’, appearance makes no difference to how she is perceived.
Limitations
While the study is convincing, it is not the only research that exists, and within itself certain limitations must be considered. Such as the fact that this is only one small case study with only 114 participants. The ‘model’ was only one individual. Who could only demonstrate attractiveness on one type of race, hair colour, and other physical features. And the study was done in 2000, which could not consider the effects of social media and the changing degrees of attractiveness as time continues.
20 years later
In a more recent study, over 20 years later, shows that not much has changed. In a study that involved over 4,000 participants, the study revealed that more conventionally attractive women were more believed to be sexually harassed. Whereas, women who do not comply with the ‘strict social norms’ were perceived to be less likely to be harmed.
The study uses the term ‘prototypical woman’. To be prototypical means to be the usual or quintessential version of something. In this study, it was found that a prototypical woman included being young, feminine, and even incompetent. Along with the typical hallmarks of cleanliness, wearing makeup, etc.
To determine what the participants thought were attractive, one group was asked to draw a typical woman who would be a target of sexual harassment and who wouldn’t. By allowing participants to draw with broad instructions they were able to see consistent underlying social biases.
An additional test was done where a group was presented with head shots with some pictures looking more masculine and others more feminine. The group was then asked to pick which image best represented a woman who would be sexually harassed.
Outcome
The outcome showed very similar results to the study from over 20 years ago. The women who were considered more generally attractive were believed to be more credible.
However, for women who are considered less attractive, there was a higher threshold of what would be considered sexual harassment. Morever, it was perceived that less attractive victims would be less harmed by the sexual harassment. The results also showed that perpetrators who targeted less attractive women were perceived to be less deserving of punishment.
What does this mean for justice?
Clearly the implication that only attractive women should be believed and are the only ones who can experience sexual harassment to the fullest extent of the law is a deeply concerning subconscious bias.
As mentioned, the occurrence of sexual harassment is not only dictated by the attractiveness of the people around. But often what power dynamics can be exploited, amongst other factors. Whether that be man versus women, or senior versus junior staff, for example. Anyone can be sexually harassed, and in any industry.
Women who cannot rely on their ‘pretty privilege’ or being a ‘prototypical woman’ fall in a dangerous area where they can be ostracised by the justice system and their peers. Women already experience barriers when trying to complain, bring fourth issue of sexual harassment, and try and get their matters heard. However, these studies inform us of an additional barrier.
What it means to be a woman
These subconscious biases are placed onto women creating an ongoing fallacy. That women who dress up in provocative outfits should expect to be sexually harassed. Therefore, women will turn down their attire in order to feel safer.
However, sexual harassment is not only dictated by the attractiveness of the individual. Therefore, when these women are sexually harassed they are not believed because they are not ‘pretty enough’.
In reality, it doesn’t matter what women wear, what they do, or how they behave. The issue is rooted with the perpetrators who commit the sexual harassment. As long as the perpetrators are not being held accountable, then sexual harassment will continue to exist.
As in any matter brought forth, both parties will be judged and criticised in order for a judge, jury, or society to make their own determinations. Therefore, both parties will act accordingly to try and achieve their own goals.
In no circumstance should someone be judged solely based on their attractiveness. Clearly this is a faulty correlation that humans have developed. And while it is unfair, and can lead to less attractive people being discriminated against for something outside of their control, it is important to recognise that it does exist.
Pretty privilege in men
While the term ‘pretty privilege’ is often referencing women, it can work for and against men in a similar manner. In a study with 150 participants, the participants were shown combinations of attractive and unattractive men and women.
Overall, when referencing the men, it was found that sexual behaviour from more attractive men was found to be less harassing than from less attractive men. Even if it was the exact same behavior. Furthermore, attractive women were more likely to be seen as being harassed, particularly if the male perpetrator was unattractive.
Therefore in theory, if an attractive male was trying to flirt with an attractive female, bystanders may not identify this as sexual harassment. However, if an unattractive male were to do the same exact actions of flirting to an attractive female, it was more likely that a bystander would view this as sexual harassment.
From a third party point of view, bystanders may not consider certain actions as sexual harassment from attractive people as it is a societal norm to want or approve the attention of attractive people. To be noticed by an attractive person can be considered a compliment and that the recipient of that attention is also attractive.
In a practical sense, this information can be quite difficult as degrees of attractivness is different for each individual culture, ethnicity, regional location, etc. In a world where everyone has different opinions, it is important to communicate how each party is feeling and to listen when boundaries are being communicated. Where one individual may be flattered, another may be insulted.
Moving forward
In order to fight against subconscious biases it is important to recognise that bias and actively fight against why we believe they are true. In this case, people inherently have a bias that more attractive individuals are more truthful and honest.
Attractiveness can also include being ‘put together’, having a stable income, and other societal or cultural factors. Therefore, attractive people are more believed when they claim they have been sexually harassed.
While individuals who are judging a sexual harassment matter should be aware of these biases, it is also helpful for victims to understand social perception so that it works in their favour. While we understand that it’s unfair that biases exist, it is also a fact that subconscious bias is not going to go away.
Therefore, it is important for victims to consider their appearance, attire, and everall mannerisms when claiming they have been sexually harassed in order to have the best chance of success. It is necessary to note that attractiveness will not be the only factor considered when trying to claim compensation for being sexually harassed.
Other factors may include any evidence provided, if others can collaborate the same story, if the perpetrator has a history of acting in a similar manner, and how long ago the harassment occurred. However, there is no reason not to allow preconceived ideas of attractive people to work in the victim’s favor.
Do attractive people receive more money?
The most common remedy when trying to resolve a matter of sexual harassment is to receive financial compensation. It is established that more attractive people are more likely to believe. Therefore, they may be considered more deserving to be compensated. In result, they would receive more financial compensation than if a less attractive person had gone through the same circumstances.
However, in saying that, there is no concrete evidence that more attractive sexual harassment victims receive a larger financial pay out. It can only be hypothesised through the evidence that has already been established.
Additionally, professional mediators and judges who are entrusted in hearing matters of sexual harassment would be trained in detecting their own internal biases in order to circumvent the evidence provided. The legal system, while not perfect, does recognise that certain checks and balances must be included in order to provide fair outcomes. That is why jurors, appeal systems, and general public scrutiny, exist.
What does pretty privilege mean for you?
Do you want to fight your workplace sexual harassment matter? A Whole New Approach is here to help. For over 20 years, we have helped thousands of Australians in pursuing justice and compensation. We understand how the internal justice system works and can help you every step of the way. You wont have to fight alone and in the dark.
Our team of workplace advocates takes on the stress of the claims process so you don’t have to. With over 10,000 claims handled across Australia, you can trust us to help you stand up for your rights and take back control of your future.
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