Loading...
Journal Title
Readers/Advisors
Gonzalez, Lupita
Journal Title
Term and Year
Spring 2025
Publication Date
2025
Book Title
Publication Volume
Publication Issue
Publication Begin
Publication End
Number of pages
Collections
Files
Loading...
9927_Jasmine_Graham.pdf
Adobe PDF, 78.96 KB
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Abstract
Previous research has shown that social perceptions of physical appearance are influenced by stereotypes linked to both race and gender. This study investigates how intersecting identities affect judgments of fitness, gender, and race, focusing on categorizing individuals based on perceived physicality. We predict that Black individuals will be perceived as more physically fit than White individuals based on scenario ratings and positive attribute evaluations. We also hypothesize that higher Social Appearance Anxiety (SAA) scores will be associated with lower ratings of positive attributes. In other words, participants who report greater anxiety about how they appear to others will be more likely to evaluate others less favorably on attributes such as physical fitness, strength, and overall positivity. Lastly, we predicted that participants would be more likely to assume the person described in each scenario was Black rather than White.Although results indicated that social appearance anxiety was not strongly associated with perceptions of favorable qualities, the scenarios themselves significantly influenced participants - ratings of positive attributes such as discipline, approachability, and competence. By examining these biases, we aimed to explore how social contexts reinforce stereotypes related to strength, size, and dominance. Understanding these dynamics can shed light on the broader implications of intersectional stereotypes in shaping social judgments and contribute to more inclusive representations within fitness and health-related contexts.
Keywords: Gender stereotypes, Racial stereotypes, Intersectionality, Social Appearance Anxiety, Serena Williams, Iman Khelif
Citation
DOI
Description
Accessibility Statement
Purchase College - State University of New York (PC) is committed to ensuring that people with disabilities have an opportunity equal to that of their nondisabled peers to participate in the College's programs, benefits, and services, including those delivered through electronic and information technology. If you encounter an access barrier with a specific item and have a remediation request, please contact lib.ir@purchase.edu.