Lookism in Media and How It Influences Our Perceptions

Abstract

The media’s influence in perpetuating and reinforcing stereotypes is indisputable, and overwhelmingly, students have a fairly easy time understanding this link. However, there is still a need for more concrete in-class applications in order for students to conceptualize how this influence affects their personal interactions and expectations of people. To...

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Introduction to Sociology/Social Problems

Resource Type(s):

Class Activity

Class Level(s):

College 100

Class Size(s):

Any

Usage Notes

In addition to assigning articles that pertain to the media’s influence on lookism, we have an in-class activity that encourages open dialogue between students and instructor on how our expectations of people are shaped and reinforced through film. In essence, we pick a movie that is "older" and not likely to have been seen by traditional-aged college...

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. Students will conceptualize how media perpetuates stereotypes and influences individual level prejudices.
2. Students will examine how their own perceptions and expectations of people have been shaped by stereotypes reinforced through media. Also, students will be encouraged to question, challenge, and resist these learned prejudices.

Goal Assessment(s):

1. After participating in the lookism activity student will read Glassner’s article and complete a handout that prompts them to make connections between the article and activity.
2. Students will complete a handout that requires them to consider how their daily interactions with people are influenced by internalized expectations of people, based on their appearance.