AM 250 Exam 3 Study Guide
Dressing for Residency Interviews
-dressing for residency Interviews -how do medical residents respond to a change from a formal to an informal dress code? findings from survey: 85% appreciated change, 67% change caused them to worry about interview dress -males were more uncomfortable with change -64% agreed that other programs should change their dress codes to be less formal
non-western cultural beauty ideals
-mursi girls and women: decorate bodies with beads, pierce/stretch earlobes -chinese girls and women: feet bound and toes broken to have smaller feet -zo's of Brazil: pierce their chin with spider monkey bone -kalabari of Nigeria: female body rounded
appearance as a process: Program
-response about wearer made by the wearer -communication of the self via appearance/dress
appearance as a process: review
-response about wearer made by the wearer -feedback on program -validation of self: when programs and reviews coincide -challenge to self: when programs and reviews don't coincide
types of messages communicated via dress 2. definition of relationships
-roles, membership in groups, status, prestige -historically dress communicated status -use of dress as a status symbol= changing somewhat
cultural beauty ideals
-size, age and combination of physical attributes that society deems as most desirable
symbolic interaction theory basic premise two:
-society is created through coordinated interactions of individuals -dress helps individuals to coordinate interactions
characteristics of dress messages: 2. nonlinguistic/undercoded
-sometimes unclear meaning -meanings are unclear and more implied -connotations
Social Interaction Theory Basic Premise One:
-the self defined through interaction with other people -we use others reactions to us to shape ideas about self and society -we interact with others on the basis of what their appearance means to us
work dress codes regarding tattoos and piercings
-these body modifications are considered to be in "bad taste" by some employers -an employee may be required to remove piercings and cover tattoos for the work day
set point theory
-weight range that is biological/genetically pre-programmed to maintain -individuals have limited control over set point -Most people cannot become morbidly obese or exceedingly thin without radically changing their heath of behavior problems
Culture: Sociofacts
-what people do -include how people organize themselves into society and interact, rules for interaction
culture: artifacts
-what people make and tools/processes for making them (includes dress and clothing) -"material culture", -reflects sociofacts and mentifacts -
idealized imagery of the body
Ideal" body image is the phrase used to refer to the body size determined by one's cultural group to epitomize beauty and/or success in achievement of the optimum physical state as defined by that group.
characteristics of communication
1. an interactive process 2. involves sending and receiving messages in feedback loops 3. uses commonly understood codes of signs and symbols to create shared meanings
types of messages communicated via dress
1. definition of personal identity 2. definition of relationships 3. definition of the situation
characteristics of dress messages
1. unfocused: may be available to a generalized audience 2. nonlinguistic/undercoded: sometimes unclear in meaning 3. Nondiscursive: not continuously changing 4. lack of intention 5. subliminal awareness
rites of passage: transition
is an in-between stage. the individual is not completely removed from the former status and has not achieved a new one yet either
primary sex characteristics
the anatomical traits essential to reproduction
casual day as a context: casual day
trend that started in 1990's during which business relaxed or suspended formal dress codes (written or unwritten)
halo verses devil effect
use of ones understanding trait to form overall positive (halo) or negative (devil) impression
casual day as a context: risks of casual day
-employees appear unprofessional -stressful if only some participate
characteristics of dress messages: 3. non discursive
-not continuously changing
tripartite model
Three primary influences on body image and eating disorders: 1. Media 2. Family 3. Peers Two factors mediate the relationship between these influences and eating disturbance 1. Appearance comparisons 2. Internalization of media info/cultural beauty ideals
symbolic self completion theory
Which holds that individuals seek to acquire and display symbols that are strongly related to what they perceive as the ideal self
sex
biological category based on genitalia
ascribed role
is a position that people acquire through no fault to virtue of their own. -presenting oneself properly through dress can often help offset negative stereotypes -one might be seen as "too young" for the job if one's dress is not appropriate -age, gender, skin, color, and birth order.
rites of passage: reincorporation
is the stage during which the movement from the previous status to the new status is complete
ethnocentrism
judging people from other cultures and backgrounds by by one's own cultural standards and beliefs
looking glass self
process by which individuals perceive themselves by imagining how others see them -use people as "mirrors" to tell us who we are
rites of passage
public events that mark the transition of a person from one social status to another: 1. separation 2. transition 3. reincorporation
examples of dress
tattoos, makeup, henna, eyelash extensions, acne treatment, self-tanning, shaving and waxing, implants, curling hair, straightening hair, working out,
pluralism
the acceptance of differences in others while not necessarily wanting to adopt those differences for the self
body image
the mental construct you hold of your body, the resulting attitudes or feelings, and the physical behaviors practiced toward your body
work uniforms
-Example of extreme conformity -Indicate prestige level/skill of wearer -Facilitate efficiency and organizational control -Reveal one primary role -Suppress individuality, encourage group behavior, thinking -May represent a metaphor
islamic religious view point
-In Iran, Preamble of the Islamic Republic Constitution (1979) defines exposure of female body as sinful -With constitution, veiling became enforceable act; women expected to veil entire bodies except faces and hands -Failure to veil - humiliation, arrest -hijab interpreting as veiling
western cultural beauty ideals
-Middle Ages: A rounded body was considered desirable/ communicated affluence; food in short supply -French Empire: Wide hips were considered attractive/ a sign of fertility; silhouette achieved by wearing "paniers" -16th-20th Century Slimness -21st centuryslim waist large bust and butt
interviews as a context
-Ritualized situation in which applicant makes a symbolic performance -Expectations for dress may be more conservative/stringent than for on the job dress -Role of dress more important in shaping first impressions in interview context: -Appearance = up to 70% of judgments -Clothing = more influence on hiring than attractiveness -But, physical attractiveness also a factor
previous research findings regarding undergraduate student exposure to varying types of obesity information (US Surgeon General's Call vs. reading that deconstructs stereotypes aboutoverweight/obesity);
-US surgeon General's Call: the risks of health with obesity -Other: that it is not always obesity
symbolic interaction theory
-addresses how the self and ideas about society
Veiling of Muslim Women
-argument that veiling is oppressive -
functions of dress
-communication of identity or status -protection: physical and psychological -adornment: decoration -sexual attraction -extension of self
influence of ethnic dress upon mainstream dress within US culture
-designers using ethnic dress as inspiration for collections/ready to wear
appearance as a process: cognitive dissonance
-feelings of discomfort due to inconsistency in concept of self and responses
ethnical adaption of ideas from other cultures to fashion designers
-going beyond stereotypes -engaging with cultures that are used as inspiration, including working with artists
social comparison theory
-indicates that humans compare themselves with others, particularly in regards to appearance. -people celebrated in mass media -example: Kim Kardashian
types of messages communicated via dress 3. definition of the situation
-intention of actor -if someone is wearing a tennis outfit we assume they're going to play tennis or did earlier
Dress
-is an intentional modification or manipulation of appearance -includes modifications of body color, texture, size, shape and scent.
work dress codes
-many companies have a formal policy (suit and tie for men and skirt or pants for women) -some require employees to wear a specific outfit that represents overall branding of the organization (example: target red shirt and khaki pants) -some may not have specific regulations but instead encourage employees to have good taste. (no skimpy tops)
characteristics of dress messages 1. Unfocused
-may be available to generalized audience -various selves presented -public self: most generalized audience -intimate self: out of shower, no makeup, stepping on scale etc. -secret self: no receiver, what we participate in private
Body Mass Index
-not accurate measures of fatness for athletes or other muscular people -muscle weights more than fat -BMI = weight in KG (heigh in meters)
views on causes and health risks associated with obesity
-obesity/overweight as health crisis ("obesity prevention perspective") -health risk of obesity/overweight are unclear ("critical weight perspective")
modesty theory
-people first wore clothing to cover or conceal the "private" parts of the human body -"clothes" worn by Adam and eve to cover nakedness due to instinctive/inborn shame -womens body
Sears Fashion Takes Action Program
-philanthropic program designed to give women in transition "work appropriate" attire to help in job interviews, on job -Outcomes of program participation: -Did not change women's self-esteem -But, women reported that they felt more self-confidentIncreased work clothing knowledge/confidence scores -Increased ratings of self-attractivenessWomen were appreciative, felt like they "mattered"
taking the role of the other
-process by which we place ourselves in another's position in order to understand the self from another persons point of view -central to looking glass self
Casual Day as a Context: Produced
-produced some uncertainty for workers -"Casual" can mean many things -men vs. women -ways to decrease ambiguity: seek information
media activism strategies
-protesting media messages, advertisements, or products that are identified as conveying unhealthy messages -letterwriting and boycotting
characteristics of communication 3. uses commonly understood codes of signs and symbols to create shared meaning
-some level of agreement necessary -on going snd dynamic -negotiation required to reach shared understanding -dress has many meanings so may not arrive at complete understanding of dress message
achieved roles
-those that we work to earn -college degrees, work skills, even marriages are roles people strive to attain. -example: a young lawyer wearing a suit and tie to work every day then wearing traditional clothes at home
appearance as a process: negotiation of meanings
-to fit their lines of action together, people use symbols -meaningful communication occurs when there's a mutual understanding of symbols -ex: nurses or doctors wearing uniforms -interaction may be necessary to understand
characteristics of communication: 1. an interactive process
-two way process: takes into account sender and receiver -perception
characteristics of communication 2. Involves sending and receiving of messages in feedback loops
-verbal and nonverbal, overt or covert (implied) -appearance management and appearance perception as interconnected -perceive others and self simultaneously
characteristics of dress messages: 4. lack of intention
-we may send messages we don't intend to send "leakage"
role of attractiveness in interview context: Implicit Personality Theory
-when we meet someone, we absorb the most evident traits and then make general assumptions about that persons personality -predicts that employers favor attractive individuals because they associate more favorable attributes with them (based upon "beauty is good" stereotype)
Professional dress as role dress
-work dress is role dress, it expresses achieved and ascribed status
responses to idealized media imagery of body
1. Media serves as role models for ppl over 40 2. Feel less positive about bodies after viewing idealized media images 3. Most men will not exercise or diet to emulate bodies of muscular 4. Ppl are not passive in this but it still negatively effects them
gender identity
a persons internal sense of being male, female, or something else
self-fulfilling prophecies
any positive or negative expectation about circumstances, events, or people that may affect a person's behavior toward them in a manner that causes those expectations to be fulfilled ex: An employer who, expects the employees to be disloyal and shirkers, will likely treat them in a way that will elicit the very response he or she expects.
dress as a form of nonverbal communication
does not rely on spoken or written word to convey meaning
religion
human beings' relation to that which they regard as holy, sacred, absolute, spiritual, divine or worthy of special reverence
immodest theory
people cover the body for purpose of sexual attractiveness
secondary sex characteristics
physical traits not essential for reproduction
fashion classic
rarely changes drastically (example: white cotton t-shirt)
role of attractiveness in interview context: Lack of Fit Model
-Suggests that decision-makers judge a candidate's "fit" with job requirements; accordingly, an employer who ascribes positive attributes to an attractive candidate would be more likely to hire that candidate as he/she would assume that his/her personality would be better suited to the position by virtue of his/her appearance
types of messages communicated via dress 1. definition of personal identity
-traits: gender, age, occupation, ethnicity, education, socioeconomic status -values, attitudes, and interests -lifestyle -mood
professional dress choices for female professors
Findings -Use style as a strategy to move from one context to another (ex. Research to teachings to meetings) -Many try to avoid looking like a student -Use of style to express various identities -Feel that many male faculty do not adhere to the same standards of professionalism that women are help to; perception that men can "get away with more"
women's perspectives on professional dress
Women defines ideal business women by Conservatism v. fashion Masculinity v. femininity/sexuality Creativity v. conformity Described a tension between each of these endpoints, attempt to balance and avoid extremes
ethnicity
a learned cultural heritage shared by a category of people that can include a common national origin, ancestry, style of dress, language, dietary habits, and ideology
gender expression
a persons outward gender presentation, usually comprising personal styles, clothing, hairstyles, makeup, jewelry, vocal inflection, and body language
role of attractiveness in the workplace (empirical findings)
attractive individuals -are perceived as more hirable, liable, likely to be successful -receive higher starting salaries, better evaluations, more promotions -true for facial and bodily attractiveness
casual day as a context: benefits of casual day
can boost morale, improve productivity, represents a hiring draw
acculturation
changes individuals undergo as they move from their society of origin to a society settlement
examples of gender categories
cisgender, transgender, agender, third gender, gender queer, gender fluid, non binary
ethnic dress
dress of particular groups of people indigenous to a particular area, although one need not have lived in that are to claim ethnic affiliation
androgynous dress
dress that blends together elements of masculinity and femininity
porn chic
fashion and related trend behaviors linked to the porn industry that have become mainstreamed in the dress of women and girls
symbolic interaction
focuses on the relationships among individuals within a society. Communication—the exchange of meaning through language and symbols—is believed to be the way in which people make sense of their social worlds.
body malleable ideology
health crisis -often individuals who view the body to be more malleable are more likely to try and change the body through diet and exercise
race
human beings attempts to identify biological distinct grouping based on physical appearance
unisex dress
lacks any gender designation -new types of clothing created for this style: jumpsuit, safari jacket
casual day as context: trend
moving away from casual day
Rites of Passage: Separation
occurs when individuals are disconnected from former status
characteristics of dress messages: 5. subliminal awareness
of dress messages sent and received -feedback we receive from others from what we wear -example: not going to say we want people to think were fashionable but but we wear that to show it
fashion fad
short energetic life. easily forgotten but remembered with honor.
gender
social construction often conflated with sex -masculine or feminine
using work dress to make a smooth transition from college to the workplace
study of how undergrads plan to use dress to smooth transition workplace 4 themes 1. being judged on appearance. appearance important in securing job. need to look professional. concern about tattoos/piercings 2. Fitting in. Use of appearance to "fit in" at job Looking to colleagues for ideas about what to wear Different jobs require different dress 3. Being yourself Desire to express individuality while fitting in the workplace for some, "being yourself" was difficult within confines of work dress expectations 4. Gender Business dress expectations more complex for women Women are more to be judged on appearances in workplace (but some men felt judged too)
work dress and context
what is considered to be appropriate work dress is shaped by context -position within organization -persons characteristics (age, gender, ethnicity, etc) -geographic location -industry represented -event/example: interview verses first day on the job, job responsibilities for the day
fashion
what is popular, and popularity is required for something to be observed and documented as a trend.
Culture: Mentifacts
what people think and know -include ideas, meanings, values, knowledge, appearance ideals and stereotypes
investiture
when families first identify babies as masculine or feminine, takes place in infant hood
meanings of dress (relativity/social nature)
- Are relative to culture and historical moment - Are created through social interactions with others - Are related to time and number of adopters
