Weightism Discrimination in the Workplace Research Paper

Over time, these coping mechanisms would not only reinforce to the overweight individual that they do not fit these stereotypes but also, might change the perception of those around them. Other coping mechanisms that women could use that endure weight discrimination at work include encompassing the concept of impression management, which is when the individuals, in this case the overweight victims, would influence the perceptions of other people about themselves, and this can be either conscious or unconscious. In order to help the overweight person cope with the discrimination that they encounter, it may be best for them to subtly influence those around them to think more highly of them in some capacity in order to create a better image for themselves. Coping mechanisms that are not traditional and less scientific in nature might also be the classic, "laugh at yourself" coping mechanism. People in the workplace might appreciate an overweight individual more if they have the ability to acknowledge their body type. These possible coping mechanisms ties back into the previously mentioned term "weight controllability"- people in the workplace are under the impression that overweight people are responsible for their own body which means that by acknowledging it, then the person is acknowledging people's thoughts and potentially getting ahead of any potential discrimination they may experience.

As the obesity becomes an issue domestically and abroad, weight discrimination will continue to be an issue that needs to be tended too. There are many prejudices and negative perceptions that, as studies have found, have been engrained in children and with the modern movement to create a "fat stigma," overweight people are falling victim to the masses, especially women who are far more susceptible to becoming overweight. The institutional discriminations as well as the interpersonal barriers and hurdles that overweight and obese people face and deal with in the workplace on a daily basis is, as statistics have shown, is quite incredible. Psychological coping strategies will help partially combat their discrimination and self-esteem. As Stephen Colbert noted, even the government is issuing "pro-skinny" legislation which makes it even more difficult for overweight people to cope with their status as unaccepted individuals, as it seems everyone in society is turning their backs on them. As society moves forward, we will watch for a potential new civil right movement to develop.

Bibliography

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Dye, Lee. (2008, April 2). Study: 'weight-ism' more widespread than racism. Retrieved from http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/BeautySecrets/story?id=4568813&page=1

Jones, Del. (2008). Obesity can mean less pay. USA Today.

Parker-Pope, Tara. (2011, March 30). Fat stigma spreads around the globe. New York Times, p. A1.

Pulh, RM, Schwartz, MB, & Brownell, KD. (2004). Impact of perceived consensus on stereotypes about obese people: a new approach for reducing bias. Health Psychology, 24(5), Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16162046

Stephen Colbert: 'the latest civil…