Abstract
Clothing is a powerful nonverbal communicative tool and form of self-expression that provides others with clues about our personality, mood, education, culture, financial status, and social ranking, amongst numerous other impression cues. Research shows that physical appearance plays a prominent role in the formation of initial judgments and is significant in shaping a person's overall impression on others (Richmond, McCroskey, & Payne, 1991). The present study sought to quantitatively explore the effect that different styles of dress have on initial judgments formed about women in workplace settings. Using expectancy violation theory, the study investigates workplace gender bias and whether or not certain styles of women's dress garner different initial reactions. Results showed that models in feminine attire are perceived to be lower in ratings of dominance and expertise, and models in more masculine attire are perceived to be lower in ratings of kindness and friendliness.
Notes
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Graduation Date
2018
Semester
Spring
Advisor
Weger, Harry
Degree
Master of Arts (M.A.)
College
College of Sciences
Department
Communication
Degree Program
Communication; Mass Communication
Format
application/pdf
Identifier
CFE0007043
URL
http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/CFE0007043
Language
English
Release Date
May 2018
Length of Campus-only Access
None
Access Status
Masters Thesis (Open Access)
STARS Citation
Lower, Jamie, "Style Speaks: Clothing Judgments, Gender Stereotypes, and Expectancy Violations of Professional Women" (2018). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 5785.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd/5785