1

Dress Code Sexism

MARYSSA SOOTS

There is nothing wrong with a dress

code unless:

Girls become more targeted than

guys

A girls body becomes sexualized,

often regardless of age

The exposure of a girls body part is

deemed a distraction

Sexual Objectification Theory

postulates that many women are sexually

objectified and treated as an object to be
valued for its use. SO occurs when a womans
body or body parts are singled out and
separated from her as a person and she is
viewed primarily as a physical object of male
sexual desire

Bartky, S. L. (1990). Femininity and domination: Studies in the phenomenology

of oppression. New York, NY: Routledge.

Judgments By Rosea Posey

found on society6.com

Whats Wrong with Sexist Dress Codes?

Promotes
Fosters

Rape Culture

slut-shaming

Rape Culture
Rape

Culture is an environment in
which rape is prevalent and in which
sexual violence against women is
normalized and excused in the
media and popular culture.
(Marshall.edu)

Examples of Rape Culture

Guys being pressured by their peers to have sex

The tolerance of rape jokes

Women being called prudes when they deny

sexual advances

Sexual assault prevention education programs

focusing on women being told to take
measures to prevent rape, instead of men
being told not to rape

10

Sexualized Distractions

Girls are often told that their bodies are sexual and
need to be covered

Girls dont deserve respect if they wear revealing

clothing

Men are consumers and women are objects

Guys are taught that they arent responsible for ogling

women and being distracted

She asked for it based on what she was wearing

-contributes to victim blaming

11

Slut Shaming

Slut-shaming is being labeled a sexually out-ofcontrol girl or woman (a "slut" or "ho") and being
punished socially for possessing this identity. Slutshaming is sexist because only girls and women
are called to task for their sexuality, whether
real or imagined; boys and men are
congratulated for the exact same behavior. This
is the essence of the sexual double standard:
Boys will be boys, and girls will be sluts.
(Tanenbaum)

12

Impact of Slut Shaming

Girls are often left with a sense of deep

humiliation, shame, embarrassment, worthlessness
and pain. They also may resort to selfbullying and eating disorders to cope with pain.
And many have body-image issues.
Even depression, anxiety and thoughts of
suicide are linked to slut shaming. (Gordon)

13

Stop Slut Shaming

Discuss

sexting and sexual bullying

Remind

people that despite someones

sexual behavior, slut shaming is
unacceptable

14

15

Stop Dress Code Sexism

Protest

Some students are launching social media

campaigns (ish)

Reduce the pressure on girls to be sexy

Encouraging girls to be comfortable in their own

skin

Encouraging girls to wear whatever makes

them feel good

Dont to impress anyone but themselves