Exploring the relationships between feminist belief, conformity to feminine norms, self-objectification, and body surveillance

Abstract

The current study investigated the relationship between women's feminist beliefs, conformity to feminine norms, and their tendency to self-objectification and body surveillance among two hundred and fourteen young adult women who study or work in Hong Kong. Based on findings from previous research, this study hypothesizes that firstly, the level of feminist belief will be negatively correlated with self-objectification and body surveillance; second, the conformity to feminine norms is positively associated with self-objectification and body surveillance; and third, feminist belief will be negatively correlated to internalized feminine norms. In contrast, correlational results revealed that holding a higher level of feminine norms is positively associated with body surveillance and not related to change in self-objectification. This study also provides further evidence for the link between conformity to feminine norms, specifically the norms of thinness and investment in appearance and the tendency of self-objectification and body surveillance. Partially consistent with the last hypothesis, feminist beliefs were found to be negatively associated with the endorsement of feminine norms in sexual fidelity and romantic relationship. This research provides preliminary ideas and results for the relationship between several variables investigated in the context of Eastern collective cultures.