LOOKSISM Meaning and
Definition
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Looksism refers to the discriminatory treatment or preferential treatment towards individuals based primarily on their physical appearance rather than their abilities, skills, or personality traits. It encompasses the act of judging others based on their physical attractiveness, and assigning certain assumptions or expectations to them solely based on their looks.
This term typically refers to biases and prejudices that arise within social contexts, such as employment, dating, or social interactions, where physical appearance plays a significant role. Within these contexts, individuals who are deemed conventionally attractive often receive more favorable treatment, opportunities, and privileges compared to those who are deemed less attractive, irrespective of their qualifications or abilities.
Looksism can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and create an unfair advantage for those who meet society's beauty standards, while marginalizing and excluding those who do not. This can lead to feelings of low self-esteem, discrimination, and unfair treatment among individuals who are judged or treated unfavorably based on their physical appearance.
The term looksism is derived from combining the word "looks," the outward physical appearance of a person, with the suffix "ism," which implies a system or practice that perpetuates bias or discrimination. It sheds light on the social and cultural dynamics that prioritize and value physical appearance over other qualities and perpetuates a hierarchical structure based on looks.
Common Misspellings for LOOKSISM
- kooksism
- pooksism
- oooksism
- lioksism
- lkoksism
- lloksism
- lpoksism
- l0oksism
- l9oksism
- loiksism
- lokksism
- lolksism
- lopksism
- lo0ksism
- lo9ksism
- loojsism
- loomsism
- loolsism
- looosism
- looisism
Etymology of LOOKSISM
The word "looksism" is a compound formed from the words "looks" and "-ism". The term "looks" refers to physical appearance or attractiveness, while "-ism" is a suffix used to form nouns that represent a particular belief, principle, or ideology. As such, "looksism" denotes a bias or discrimination based on a person's physical appearance, usually towards those who are considered more attractive. The term emerged in the 1970s as a parallel to other "isms" like racism or sexism, highlighting the societal issue of valuing appearance over other characteristics.
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