Emily Reynolds, 44 years old, who runs a public relations (PR) firm, admits to intentionally cultivating a younger-than-her-age appearance. She achieves this through botox, fillers, facial laser treatments, and significant investment in cosmetics.
"I find it exhausting to both lead and constantly strive to look beautiful," Reynolds stated. Despite recognizing it as an imposed standard, she fears her reputation and career could suffer if she shows signs of aging.
Reynolds' concerns are not unfounded. Research indicates that an attractive appearance provides tangible economic benefits. A survey of thousands of Master of Business Administration (MBA) graduates from the University of Southern California revealed that those considered good-looking earned approximately 2,4% more than their peers. This amounts to USD 5,500 annually, a benefit extending for five to 10 years of their career.
A Harvard Business Review report, based on 2,000 employers, also highlighted a harsh reality: 71% prioritize candidates who "look professional and attractive" when qualifications are equal; 61% believe attractive employees help companies make a good impression on clients.
This pressure intensifies with the prevalence of remote work. "Zoom dysmorphia", a body image disorder, causes many to feel self-conscious from constantly seeing their own faces on video calls. Alanna Barry, 30 years old, a public relations professional, noted her obsession with her teeth on camera and is considering braces to regain confidence.
The trend extends beyond women; men are also participating in this pursuit. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), men account for 7% of cosmetic procedures today. A competitive job market encourages men to focus on their appearance to enhance their standing.
Deborah L. Rhode, a law professor at Stanford University, has analyzed how appearance is prioritized in hiring, promotions, and performance reviews, leading to social and economic injustice. She argues that "lookism", or discrimination based on appearance, is not merely a personal preference but a systemic form of bias, similar to sexism or racism.
Research based on hundreds of cases indicates that appearance influences 70-80% of hiring decisions in certain sectors, such as retail and media, often leading to the exclusion of individuals who do not meet appearance standards.
Experts refer to this as the "beauty trap". In industries like retail or media, appearance can sway up to 80% of hiring decisions. Managers often unconsciously select younger, slender candidates with clear skin, rather than solely evaluating competence. This inadvertently marginalizes older individuals, those who are overweight, or those with physical imperfections from the job market.
"This appearance-based discrimination harms both employees and companies. Individuals lose confidence, while businesses inadvertently foster an unfair culture," she stated.
By Ngoc Ngan (Source: Business Insider)
