Workers' self‐objectification and tendencies to conform to others. (5th April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Baldissarri, Cristina; Andrighetto, Luca; Di Bernardo, Gian A.; Annoni, Andrea
• Is Part Of: Journal of community & applied social psychology. Volume 30:Number 5(2020)
• Page Start: 547
• Page End: 560
• Publication Date: 2020-04-05
• Subjects: conformity -- objectifying job features -- self‐objectification -- workers; Social psychology -- Periodicals; Community psychology -- Periodicals; Interpersonal relations -- Periodicals; 302
• DOI: 10.1002/casp.2461
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1052-9284

Abstract

Abstract: Recent research showed that workers' self‐objectification—their self‐perception as objects rather than human beings—leads to detrimental intrapersonal consequences. In the present research, we explored whether this phenomenon may also affect interpersonal relations, by increasing workers' tendencies to conform. In a correlational study, Italian workers who perceived their work as more objectifying self‐objectified more—self‐attributed less human mental states and self‐perceive as more instrument‐like than human‐like—and, in turn, were more inclined to conform with others. The second study experimentally confirmed this pattern, showing that British workers who recalled an objectifying (vs. a non‐objectifying) work experience self‐objectified more. Self‐perception as instrument‐like was associated, in turn, with an increased tendency to adapt to others' opinions. The implications for organizational and social psychology are discussed.