Friday, September 7, 2007
A recent study at Indiana University suggesting that men want attractive women is raising questions at the Emily Taylor Women’s Resource Center about media’s effect on women’s body images.
Kathy Rose-Mockry, program director of the Emily Taylor Women’s Resource Center, said she thought the study limited men.
“I believe men are much more multidimensional,” Rose-Mockry said. “It gives an impression that men are narrowly focused.”
According to the Associated Press, the study, which was published in Tuesday’s Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, studied 26 men and 20 women in Munich, Germany, who participated in speed dating. Before the study, participants filled out a questionnaire about what they were looking for in a date. After “speed dating” each other, participants said who they’d like to see again.
The study was done by researchers led by Peter M. Todd, cognitive scientist at Indiana University. It found that men’s choices were different than the qualities they originally said they wanted in a mate. It also said that men chose almost every woman who was above a certain level of attractiveness.
Rose-Mockry said that the standards of attractiveness set in advertising and the media were unattainable, and may have been one factor in the study’s results.
“One thing I think is of concern for college women and men is that we live in a very media-focused society,” Rose-Mockry said. “I think it’s important when information like this is generated for women to challenge these images. Awareness is key.”
Rose-Mockry said one way the Emily Taylor Women’s Resource Center raised awareness about body image issues was through “From the Inside Out,” a peer education group that speaks to campus groups and residence halls about body image, gender stereotypes and eating disorders.
“We go in there to try to start a dialogue,” said Nicole Tichenor, president of “From the Inside Out.” “It’s stuff that people are affected by but no one pays attention to.”
“From the Inside Out” will speak to campus organizations by request. It also addresses campuswide events, such as “Love Your Body Day,” which is Oct. 18.
Tichenor said that the media affected how men view women.
“The way men are told to think about women influences the way they think,” Tichenor said. “A lot of times advertising and the media send messages that you’re only valued for how you look.”
Rose-Mockry said that the largest body image issue facing University women was the myth of perfection.
“Women see advertisements that show unattainable images of perfection,” Rose-Mockry said.
Rose-Mockry said that the women’s resource center was available for all genders. The center plays host to events, gives instruction about gender issues, and seeks to help women succeed on campus and find equity for women and men.
— Edited by Kyle Carter
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