Women and self-objectification

reclaiming your body from the gaze..

Self-objectification is the act of seeing oneself primarily as an object, body first and human second. It means being viewed, or viewing yourself, as a commodity rather than as a person with thoughts, dignity, and depth.

The theory of self-objectification explains how individuals, particularly women, internalize an observer’s perspective of their bodies. Over time, this mindset leads to negative psychological effects anxiety, low self-esteem, and a constant preoccupation with appearance.

The Media’s Role

From social media to TV shows, advertisements, and movies, women are often portrayed as commodities because, as the saying goes, sex sells. This narrative has been repeated so often that many women and girls begin to internalize it, seeing self-objectification as a normal or even necessary part of success.

When women use their bodies, appearance, or voices sexually to attract attention or gain professional advantage, they unknowingly participate in this same cycle, turning themselves into a product.
Examples are everywhere: women comedians using sexual humor to gain more audience, TV hosts revealing more than needed for ratings, or advertisements that sell everything from coffee to cars with female bodies. Even cooking shows sometimes cross the line, sexualizing their presenters for views.

The Hidden Cost

When some women accept being treated as sexual objects, it sends a broader message, that it’s normal to view women that way. This normalization reinforces the cycle and gives society silent permission to continue objectifying women. And every single time we don’t challenge it, we quietly agree with it.

The consequence? A culture where appearance overshadows intelligence, and validation depends on visibility.

What Are We Teaching Our Girls?

When I walk through the local high school hallway, I can see how deep this conditioning runs. Young girls dress for attention in ways that blur the line between self-expression and self-objectification. Talk about sheer leggings and barely there shorts! There’s nothing wrong with fashion or individuality, but when style becomes a cry for validation, we lose something important - self-respect.

We should be careful not to confuse freedom with exposure. The fine line between beauty, style, and vulgarity is fading fast. Individuality doesn’t mean sexualizing everything.

The Consequences

This cycle takes a toll on women’s emotional and mental well being.

• Lowers self-esteem.

• Shifts focus from values to vanity.

• Creates constant anxiety about how others perceive us.

• Adds unnecessary stress to daily life.

Breaking the Cycle

How do we stop?

• Value modesty and morality. Remember that character and confidence outshine appearance.

• Believe in yourself. You don’t need validation to be valuable.

• Trust the process. Growth takes time. Don’t trade dignity for shortcuts.

• Challenge what’s normalized. Don’t support shows, ads, or influencers that objectify women.

• Start at home. Teach your children that true beauty lies in self-respect, grace, and intelligence. Lead by your action.

The Way Forward

Let our grace show our value.
Let our intelligence show our worth.

In an age of endless filters and exaggerated fame, let’s raise a generation that values dignity over display. Let’s teach our daughters to admire strength over sex appeal, depth over drama.

Because the real power of a woman has never been in how much she shows but in how deeply she knows her worth.

If this resonates, please share your thoughts in comments. Love to hear your feedback.

Signing out,

Sana