Lesbians and the Internalization of Societal Standards of Weight and Appearance

Abstract

Findings from a study of body image, weight concern, and disordered eating in lesbians are presented. While lesbians were more critical of traditional social norms regarding the rights and roles of women in general than heterosexual controls, this difference disappeared in regard to norms concerning women's weight and appearance. Dieting was frequent, almost half of the participants were dissatisfied with their weight, and self-esteem was strongly influenced by body esteem. A large number of lesbians said that physical attractiveness was important in a partner. However, lesbians' conception of physical attractiveness had a more functional quality, related to physical condition, and less concern for conventional aspects related to "looks" than heterosexual women. Involvement in lesbian, but not feminist, activities was found to be a protective factor against low body esteem. These findings are discussed in terms of understanding lesbians' relationships to beauty norms, variations across subgroups, and risk for eating problems.

Effects of Attractiveness and Status in Dating Desire in Homosexual and Heterosexual Men and Women

“…In addition, status played a significant but small role in dating desire for all four groups. These results were in line with the findings of previous studies that have shown that attractiveness of a potential partner is pivotal for both homosexual and heterosexual men and women (Child et al, 1996;Gonzales & Meyer, 1993;Heffernan, 1999;Smith & Stillman, 2002). Attractiveness as a strong predictor of dating desire for both homosexual and heterosexual men and women might suggest that socialization factors, which are common to all men and women, underlie mate preferences.…”

“…With respect to attractiveness, Child, Graff Low, McDonell McCormick, and Cocciarella (1996) and Heffernan (1999) found that attractiveness was a relevant partner preference for gay men and lesbians (see also Bailey, Gaulin, Agyei, & Gladue, 1994;Lippa, 2007). Gonzales and Meyers (1993) and Smith and Stillman (2002) found that gay men and lesbians desire physical attractiveness based on their choice of partners in personal advertisements and Hayes (1995) found that gay men and lesbians preferred younger partners, which can be an indicator of attractiveness, since youth implies physical attractiveness (Teuscher & Teuscher, 2007).…”

Go Figure? Body-Shape Motives are Associated with Decreased Physical Activity Participation Among Midlife Women

“…However, other research suggests that lesbians also struggle with body image issues, even if lesbians are, in general, less accepting of dominant cultural norms (Cogan, 1999;Heffernan, 1999). The more lesbians internalize beauty norms, the more concern they have about their weight and appearance (Cogan, 1999).…”

Overweight and Obesity in Sexual-Minority Women: Evidence From Population-Based Data

“…[9][10][11] The results of these studies indicate that lesbian women have a better body image than do heterosexual women and prioritize a body image on the basis of physical function. [12][13][14][15][16] The evidence is inconclusive regarding lesbians' exercise behaviors. It has been argued that lesbians are heavier, but more physically fit, because of their level of physical activity.…”

“…10 Other studies have emphasized that lesbians' exercise behavior is not motivated by aesthetic reasons. 12,15,18 Although these smaller studies provide possible explanatory factors regarding obesity in lesbians, they do not adequately consider covariates shown in the literature to be risk factors for overweight and obesity.…”