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Sexualized Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sexualized

[ˈsɛkʃəlaɪzd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

social perception

Sexualized refers to the process of attributing sexual characteristics or connotations to something or someone. This can include the portrayal of individuals in a way that emphasizes their sexual appeal or desirability.

Synonyms

eroticized, objectified, sensualized.

Examples of usage

  • The advertisement sexualized the model in a provocative manner.
  • Critics argue that the media often sexualizes young women.
  • The film was criticized for sexualizing its female characters.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In media, sexualized imagery is often used in advertising to attract attention, especially for fashion and beauty products.
  • Numerous TV shows and movies have faced criticism for sexualizing young characters, raising debates about influence on youth.
  • Many music videos feature sexualized dance or clothing, which can lead to discussions about body image and societal standards.

Psychology

  • Research shows that exposure to sexualized images can affect a person's perception of sexuality and relationships, often leading to unrealistic expectations.
  • Gradual exposure during adolescence might shape sexual identity, making discussions on media literacy especially important.
  • The impact of sexualization in childhood can influence self-esteem and body image as individuals grow.

Sociology

  • Some argue that sexualization reflects cultural norms around gender, where women are often more sexualized than men in various media.
  • Various movements advocate for more realistic portrayals of individuals, arguing that sexualized representations can harm societal views on consent and relationships.
  • The conversation around sexualization often intersects with discussions about feminism and empowerment, leading to diverse opinions on its implications.

Education

  • Schools increasingly incorporate discussions about media literacy to help students critically analyze sexualized content in advertising and entertainment.
  • Educational programs on consent are linked to discussions about sexualization, aiming to promote healthy relationships and respect.
  • Research suggests teaching about sexuality and body image can empower young people to navigate sexualization in a healthier way.

Origin of 'sexualized'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'sexualized' comes from the root 'sex', which originates from the Latin 'sexus', meaning 'gender' or 'sex'.
  • It became popular in the English language around the late 20th century as discussions about gender roles and representation grew.
  • The addition of the suffix '-ized' suggests a transformation, indicating that something has been changed to take on sexual characteristics.

The term 'sexualized' is derived from the root word 'sexual', which traces back to the Latin 'sexualis', meaning 'pertaining to sex'. The suffix '-ized' denotes the process of making something into a particular state or condition. The concept began gaining popularity in the late 20th century as societal discussions around gender, sexuality, and representation evolved. The sexualization of individuals, particularly in media and advertising, sparked significant debate about its implications on self-image and societal norms. The rise of feminist discourse has further highlighted the adverse effects of sexualization, arguing that it can lead to objectification and reinforce harmful stereotypes.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,633 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.