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Subtle Increases in BMI within a Healthy Weight Range Still Reduce Womens Employment Chances in the Service Sector

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  • Dennis Nickson
  • Andrew R Timming
  • Daniel Re
  • David I Perrett

Abstract

Using mixed design analysis of variance (ANOVA), this paper investigates the effects of a subtle simulated increase in adiposity on women’s employment chances in the service sector. Employing a unique simulation of altering individuals’ BMIs and the literature on “aesthetic labour”, the study suggests that, especially for women, being heavier, but still within a healthy BMI, deleteriously impacts on hireability ratings. The paper explores the gendered dimension of this prejudice by asking whether female employees at the upper end of a healthy BMI range are likely to be viewed more negatively than their overtly overweight male counterparts. The paper concludes by considering the implications of these findings.

Suggested Citation

  • Dennis Nickson & Andrew R Timming & Daniel Re & David I Perrett, 2016. "Subtle Increases in BMI within a Healthy Weight Range Still Reduce Womens Employment Chances in the Service Sector," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(9), pages 1-14, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0159659
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159659
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Armin Falk & James J. Heckman, 2009. "Lab Experiments are a Major Source of Knowledge in the Social Sciences," Working Papers 200935, Geary Institute, University College Dublin.
    2. Dan-Olof Rooth, 2009. "Obesity, Attractiveness, and Differential Treatment in Hiring: A Field Experiment," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 44(3).
    3. D. I. Perrett & K. J. Lee & I. Penton-Voak & D. Rowland & S. Yoshikawa & D. M. Burt & S. P. Henzi & D. L. Castles & S. Akamatsu, 1998. "Effects of sexual dimorphism on facial attractiveness," Nature, Nature, vol. 394(6696), pages 884-887, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Mukhopadhyay, Sankar, 2021. "Do employers discriminate against obese employees? Evidence from individuals who are simultaneously self-employed and working for an employer," Economics & Human Biology, Elsevier, vol. 42(C).
    2. Ping Li & Xiaozhou Chen & Qi Yao, 2021. "Body Mass and Income: Gender and Occupational Differences," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(18), pages 1-20, September.
    3. Katy Jacques & Elizabeth Evans & Lynda Boothroyd, 2021. "Experimental manipulation of muscularity preferences through visual diet and associative learning," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(8), pages 1-21, August.

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