Sexual objectification is a particular form of denial of humanity occurring when the sexual parts of the body, or its functions, are symbolically separated from the rest of the person, and considered apt to represent and describe them. Advertisements, television programs, music videos usually offer a representation of the women as objects rather than persons. Frequent exposure to such media representations has adverse effects both on the individual and social level, favoring the assumption of sexist attitudes and behaviors. Drawing on psychosocial research, we will discuss when and where sexual objectification occurs and how it affects the way we see and treat others, referring also to gender violence issues.
